AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM | 10-Q |
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2021
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number: | 1-10777 |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 13-3621676 | |||||||||||||
(State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. employer identification no.) | |||||||||||||
One World Trade Center | New York | NY | 10007 | |||||||||||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
(212) | 658-7470 | ||||||||||
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||||||||||||
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Common stock par value $0.01 per share | AMBC | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
Warrants | AMBC WS | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ☒ No ☐
As of August 2, 2021, 46,216,714 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Registrant were outstanding.
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Number | Page | Item Number | Page | |||||||||||||||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | PART I (CONTINUED) | |||||||||||||||||||
1 | Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries | |||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Insurance Statutory Basis Financial Results | ||||||||||||||||||||
3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | ||||||||||||||||||||
1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
1A | ||||||||||||||||||||
2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Other Information | |||||||||||||||||||
6 | Exhibits | |||||||||||||||||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
(Dollars in millions, except share data) (June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||
Investments: | |||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $2,114 and $2,175) | $ | 2,253 | $ | 2,317 | |||||||
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost of $15 and $15) | 15 | 15 | |||||||||
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $416 and $492) | 416 | 492 | |||||||||
Short-term investments pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost of $105 and $125) | 105 | 125 | |||||||||
Other investments (includes $650 and $544 at fair value) | 657 | 595 | |||||||||
Total investments (net of allowance for credit losses of $0 and $0) | 3,447 | 3,544 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 13 | 20 | |||||||||
Restricted cash | 17 | 13 | |||||||||
Premium receivables (net of allowance for credit losses of $11 and $17) | 345 | 370 | |||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses (net of allowance for credit losses of $0 and $0) | 30 | 33 | |||||||||
Deferred ceded premium | 80 | 70 | |||||||||
Subrogation recoverable | 2,097 | 2,156 | |||||||||
Derivative assets | 82 | 93 | |||||||||
Intangible assets | 377 | 409 | |||||||||
Other assets | 121 | 114 | |||||||||
Variable interest entity assets: | |||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value | 3,315 | 3,354 | |||||||||
Restricted cash | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
Loans, at fair value | 2,943 | 2,998 | |||||||||
Derivative assets | 37 | 41 | |||||||||
Other assets | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 12,907 | $ | 13,220 | |||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity: | |||||||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||
Unearned premiums | $ | 421 | $ | 456 | |||||||
Loss and loss expense reserves | 1,641 | 1,759 | |||||||||
Ceded premiums payable | 33 | 27 | |||||||||
Deferred taxes | 29 | 24 | |||||||||
Current taxes | 3 | 6 | |||||||||
Long-term debt | 2,671 | 2,739 | |||||||||
Accrued interest payable | 532 | 517 | |||||||||
Derivative liabilities | 98 | 114 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | 102 | 106 | |||||||||
Variable interest entity liabilities: | |||||||||||
Long-term debt (includes $4,270 and $4,324 at fair value) | 4,434 | 4,493 | |||||||||
Derivative liabilities | 1,800 | 1,835 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 11,764 | 12,074 | |||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12) | |||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 20 | 7 | |||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share;20,000,000 shares authorized shares; issued and outstanding shares—none | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 130,000,000 shares authorized; issued shares: 46,477,068 and 45,865,081 | — | — | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 249 | 242 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 87 | 79 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 732 | 759 | |||||||||
Treasury stock, shares at cost: 278,785 and 55,942 | (5) | (1) | |||||||||
Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity | 1,063 | 1,080 | |||||||||
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest | 60 | 60 | |||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 1,123 | 1,140 | |||||||||
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity | $ | 12,907 | $ | 13,220 |
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions, except share data) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net premiums earned | $ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 25 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 42 | 52 | 91 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses) | (2) | 10 | 1 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts | (11) | 2 | 14 | (68) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 33 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | 7 | — | 12 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) on variable interest entities | 2 | — | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 49 | 75 | 178 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Losses and loss expenses (benefit) | (26) | 16 | (18) | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Intangible amortization | 14 | 14 | 33 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 28 | 21 | 62 | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 50 | 58 | 100 | 122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 66 | 108 | 177 | 325 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | (18) | (33) | 1 | (320) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 11 | 2 | 13 | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (28) | (35) | (11) | (315) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: net (gain) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (29) | $ | (35) | $ | (12) | $ | (315) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (28) | $ | (35) | $ | (11) | $ | (315) | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1, $1, $1 and $1 | 26 | 104 | 2 | (42) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $—, $—, $— and $— | 1 | (2) | 8 | (48) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk changes of fair value option liabilities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $—, $—, $(1) and $— | — | (1) | (1) | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes to postretirement benefit, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $—, $—, $— and $— | — | — | (1) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | 27 | 100 | 8 | (90) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (2) | 65 | (3) | (405) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: comprehensive (gain) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (2) | $ | 65 | $ | (3) | $ | (405) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (0.63) | $ | (0.77) | $ | (0.54) | $ | (6.83) | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | (0.63) | $ | (0.77) | $ | (0.54) | $ | (6.83) | ||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 46,576,673 | 46,166,666 | 46,446,087 | 46,113,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 46,576,673 | 46,166,666 | 46,446,087 | 46,113,495 |
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 2 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | Total | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Common Stock Held in Treasury, at Cost | Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 1,123 | $ | 761 | $ | 61 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 246 | $ | (5) | $ | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (2) | (29) | 27 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 2 | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes to Redeemable NCI | (1) | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 | $ | 1,123 | $ | 732 | $ | 87 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 249 | $ | (5) | $ | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | 1,062 | $ | 917 | $ | (149) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 235 | $ | (2) | $ | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | 65 | (35) | 100 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 3 | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan | — | (1) | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 1,129 | $ | 881 | $ | (48) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 237 | $ | (1) | $ | 60 |
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | Total | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Common Stock Held in Treasury, at Cost | Noncontrolling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2021 | $ | 1,140 | $ | 759 | $ | 79 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 242 | $ | (1) | $ | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (3) | (12) | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 6 | — | — | — | — | 6 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan | (6) | (2) | — | — | — | — | (4) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes to Redeemable NCI | (14) | (14) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 | $ | 1,123 | $ | 732 | $ | 87 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 249 | $ | (5) | $ | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2020 | $ | 1,536 | $ | 1,203 | $ | 42 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 232 | $ | — | $ | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (405) | (315) | (90) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustment to initially apply ASU 2016-13 | (4) | (4) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 6 | — | — | — | — | 6 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan | (3) | (2) | — | — | — | — | (1) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 1,129 | $ | 881 | $ | (48) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 237 | $ | (1) | $ | 60 |
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 3 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (12) | $ | (315) | ||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries’ earnings | — | — | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (11) | (315) | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1 | — | ||||||||||||
Amortization of bond premium and discount | (6) | (8) | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 6 | (8) | ||||||||||||
Current income taxes | (3) | (7) | ||||||||||||
Unearned premiums, net | (45) | (19) | ||||||||||||
Losses and loss expenses, net | (56) | 71 | ||||||||||||
Ceded premiums payable | 7 | (2) | ||||||||||||
Premium receivables | 26 | 24 | ||||||||||||
Accrued interest payable | 45 | 46 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 33 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains | (1) | (18) | ||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt | (33) | — | ||||||||||||
Variable interest entity activities | (2) | (3) | ||||||||||||
Derivative assets and liabilities | (17) | 21 | ||||||||||||
Other, net | (33) | 73 | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (83) | (112) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales of bonds | 117 | 876 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from matured bonds | 154 | 75 | ||||||||||||
Purchases of bonds | (228) | (685) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales of other invested assets | 61 | 361 | ||||||||||||
Purchases of other invested assets | (80) | (401) | ||||||||||||
Change in short-term investments | 76 | (38) | ||||||||||||
Change in cash collateral receivable | — | (13) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from paydowns of consolidated VIE assets | 87 | 98 | ||||||||||||
Other, net | — | (2) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by investing activities | 187 | 270 | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Paydowns of Ambac note | (16) | (103) | ||||||||||||
Tax payments related to shares withheld for share-based compensation plans | (6) | (3) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders | (1) | — | ||||||||||||
Payments of consolidated VIE liabilities | (85) | (99) | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (107) | (205) | ||||||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | — | — | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow | (4) | (47) | ||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period | 35 | 81 | ||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 32 | $ | 34 |
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 4 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
1. BACKGROUND AND BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
The following description provides an update of Note 1. Background and Business Description in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and should be read in conjunction with the complete descriptions provided in the Form 10-K. Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, and in the other footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”), headquartered in New York City, is a financial services holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware on April 29, 1991. References to “Ambac,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” are to AFG and its subsidiaries, as the context requires. Ambac's business operations include:
•Financial Guarantee Insurance — Ambac Assurance Corporation ("AAC") and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ambac Assurance UK Limited (“Ambac UK”), are legacy financial guarantee businesses, both of which have been in runoff since 2008. Insurance policies issued by AAC and Ambac UK generally guarantee payment when due of the principal and interest on the obligations guaranteed.
•Specialty Property & Casualty Program Insurance ("SPCP") — Currently includes admitted insurer Everspan Insurance Company and excess and surplus lines insurer Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company (collectively, "Everspan" or the "Everspan Group"). This platform, which received an A- Financial Strength Rating from A.M. Best in February 2021, launched its first insurance program in May 2021.
•Managing General Agency/Underwriting ("MGA/U") — Currently includes Xchange Benefits, LLC and Xchange Affinity Underwriting Agency, LLC (collectively, “Xchange”) a property and casualty Managing General Underwriter; 80% of which AFG acquired on December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 3. Business Combination in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for further information relating to this acquisition.
While SPCP and MGA/U are distinct businesses, they are currently not significant enough to Ambac's operations to warrant segment presentation. Management evaluates its reportable segments at least annually and as facts and circumstances change.
Strategies to Enhance Shareholder Value
The Company's primary goal is to maximize shareholder value through executing the following key strategies:
•Active runoff of AAC and its subsidiaries through transaction terminations, commutations, restructurings, and reinsurance with a focus on our watch list credits and known
and potential future adversely classified credits, that we believe will improve our risk profile, and maximizing the risk-adjusted return on invested assets;
•Ongoing rationalization of Ambac's capital and liability structures;
•Loss recovery through active litigation management and exercise of contractual and legal rights;
•Ongoing review of the effectiveness and efficiency of Ambac's operating platform; and
•Focused growth in the specialty property and casualty program insurance, managing general agency/underwriting and potentially other insurance and insurance related businesses to advance our goal of generating long-term stockholder value with attractive risk adjusted returns.
The execution of Ambac’s strategy to increase the value of its investment in AAC is subject to the restrictions set forth in the Settlement Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2010 (the "Settlement Agreement"), by and among AAC, Ambac Credit Products LLC ("ACP"), AFG and certain counterparties to credit default swaps with ACP that were guaranteed by AAC, as well as the Stipulation and Order among the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Wisconsin (“OCI”), AFG and AAC that became effective on February 12, 2018, as amended (the “Stipulation and Order”), and the indenture for the Tier 2 Notes (as defined below), each of which requires OCI and, under certain circumstances, holders of the debt instruments benefiting from such restrictions, to approve certain actions taken by or in respect of AAC. In exercising its approval rights, OCI will act for the benefit of policyholders, and will not take into account the interests of AFG.
2021 Surplus Note Exchanges
On January 19, 2021, AAC entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with AFG and certain funds or accounts (the “Note Holders”), pursuant to which (i) the Note Holders agreed to sell to AAC all of the individual beneficial interests (the “Interests”) in the 5.1% senior notes due August 28, 2039 (the “Corolla Notes”), issued by the Corolla Trust, a Delaware statutory trust formed by AFG in 2014, (ii) AFG agreed to sell to AAC the owner trust certificate for the Corolla Trust (the “Corolla Certificate”), which constituted all of the equity interests in the Corolla Trust, and (iii) AAC agreed to exchange the Interests and the Corolla Certificate for AAC’s senior surplus notes (collectively, the “Corolla Note Exchange”). The Note Holders held 100% of the outstanding Corolla Notes. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, each $1.00 principal amount of the Corolla Notes (and the associated amount of accrued and unpaid interest thereon) was exchanged for $0.9125 principal amount of senior surplus notes (and the associated amount of accrued and unpaid interest thereon) on the date of the consummation of the Corolla Note Exchange (the “Closing”). In addition, every $1.00 principal amount of the Corolla Certificate (and the associated amount of accrued and unpaid interest thereon) was exchanged for $0.6400 principal amount of senior surplus notes (and the associated amount of accrued and unpaid interest thereon) on the date of Closing. The Closing occurred on January 22, 2021. At the Closing AAC issued $267 aggregate principal amount of senior surplus notes to consummate the
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 5 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Corolla Note Exchange and acquire all of the interests in the Corolla Trust. Subsequent to the closing the Corolla Trust was dissolved and the junior surplus note that had been deposited in the Corolla Trust by AFG in 2014 was canceled.
In February 2021, AAC entered into a purchase agreement pursuant to which the holder of $15 principal amount of 5.1% junior surplus notes issued by AAC agreed to sell such notes to AAC in exchange for senior surplus notes (the "JSN Exchange"). Pursuant to the purchase agreement, each $1.00 principal amount of the junior surplus notes (and the associated amount of accrued and unpaid interest thereon) was exchanged for $0.8581 principal amount of senior surplus notes (and the associated amount of accrued and unpaid interest thereon). The closing of the JSN Exchange occurred on February 11, 2021, when AAC issued approximately $13 aggregate principal amount of senior surplus notes. Subsequent to the closing of the JSN Exchange the junior surplus notes were canceled. As a result of the Corolla Note Exchange and the JSN Exchange, AAC no longer has any junior surplus notes outstanding.
The surplus notes exchanged pursuant to the Corolla Note Exchange and the JSN Exchange are part of the same series as, and rank equally with, the surplus notes previously issued by AAC. After giving effect to the Corolla Note Exchange and the JSN Exchange, AAC had $853 principal amount of surplus notes outstanding and total principal and accrued and unpaid interest of surplus notes outstanding is $1,414 as of February 11, 2021. Outstanding surplus notes principal amount includes $83 owned by AFG at February 11, 2021, which amount is eliminated in consolidation for purposes of US generally accepted accounting principles. The Company recorded a gain of $33 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 arising from AAC's purchases of junior surplus notes below their carrying values which is reported within Net realized gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss). In addition, the Company has recorded gain of $4 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from the exchange of the Corolla Certificate held by AFG above its carrying value, which is reported within Net realized investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Secured Note Refinancing
On July 6, 2021, a newly formed variable interest entity and wholly-owned subsidiary of AFG, Sitka Holdings, LLC (“Sitka”), issued $1,175 par amount of LIBOR plus 4.5% senior secured notes due 2026 (the “Sitka Senior Secured Notes”). The Sitka Senior Secured Notes are redeemable prior to July 6, 2022 at a price of 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. The make-whole premium represents the excess of the present value of 103% of the principal amount plus all required scheduled interest payments through July 6, 2022 (excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over the principal amount to be redeemed. On and after July 6, 2022 and prior to July 6, 2023, the notes are redeemable at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. On and after July 6, 2023, the notes are redeemable at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Ambac does not consolidate Sitka since it does not have a variable interest in the trust. The Sitka Senior Secured Notes are secured by all assets
of Sitka, which include a secured note issued by AAC to Sitka (the “Sitka AAC Note”). The Sitka AAC Note is secured by a pledge of AAC’s right, title and interest in (i) up to $1,400 of proceeds from certain litigations involving AAC related to residential mortgage-backed securities and (ii) the capital stock of Ambac UK. In addition, AAC issued a financial guaranty insurance policy (the “Sitka Senior Secured Notes Policy”) to the trustee for the Sitka Senior Secured Notes for the benefit of the holders of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes irrevocably guaranteeing all regularly scheduled principal and interest payments in respect of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes as and when such payments become due and owing. The proceeds from this offering of $1,163 were used to fund a portion of the full redemption of the Ambac LSNI Secured Notes due 2023 (the “LSNI Secured Notes”) and the secured note issued by AAC concurrent with the issuance of the LSNI Secured Notes (the "LSNI Ambac Note"). The remaining balance of the LSNI Secured Notes notes were redeemed utilizing other available temporary sources of liquidity.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company has disclosed its significant accounting policies in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The following significant accounting policies provide an update to those included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AFG and all other entities in which AFG (directly or through its subsidiaries) has a controlling financial interest, including variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which AFG or an AFG subsidiary is deemed the primary beneficiary in accordance with the Consolidation Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated. See Note 3. Variable Interest Entities, for a detailed discussion of Ambac’s involvement in VIEs, Ambac’s methodology for determining whether Ambac is required to consolidate a VIE and the effects of VIEs being consolidated and deconsolidated.
Basis of Presentation:
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP for annual periods. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (U.S.), but in the opinion of management such financial statements include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 6 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
and results of operations. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021. The December 31, 2020, consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As additional information becomes available or actual amounts become determinable, the recorded estimates are revised and reflected in operating results.
Foreign Currency:
The impact of non-functional currency transactions and the remeasurement of non-functional currency assets and liabilities into the respective subsidiaries' functional currency (collectively "foreign currency transactions gains/(losses)") are $(7) and $3 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Foreign currency transactions gains/(losses) are primarily the result of remeasuring Ambac UK's assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than its functional currency, primarily the U.S. dollar and the Euro.
Revenue Recognition:
Revenues for the MGA/U business operations are recognized in accordance with the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic of the ASC. The following steps are applied to recognize revenue: identify the contract(s) with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract(s), determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. A performance obligation is satisfied either at a point in time or over time depending on the nature of the product or service provided, and the specific terms of the contract with customers.
MGA/U performance obligations consist of placing policies with insurers and, for certain products, providing claims servicing. Revenue from limited and short-term medical policies sold through affinity groups ("Affinity") are recognized up front as no further performance obligations exist after policy placement. Revenue from employer stop loss policies ("ESL") is apportioned to policy placement, recognized upfront, and claims servicing, recognized over the claim period, based on the relative stand-alone selling price of the respective performance obligations.
Revenue consists of base and profit-sharing commissions. Base commissions, associated with policy placement and claims servicing, are estimated by applying the contractual commission percentages to estimated gross premiums written. Profit-sharing commissions represent variable consideration associated with policy placement only and are estimated based on expected loss ratios and the estimated gross premium for base commissions.
Base and profit-sharing commissions are estimated with a constraint applied such that a significant reversal of revenue in the future is not probable. MGA/U revenue is reported in other income (expense) on the Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income.
Contract assets represent the Company's right to future consideration for services it has already transferred to the customer, which is also conditional on future performance. Once the right to consideration becomes unconditional, it is reported as a receivable. Contract liabilities represent the Company's obligation to transfer services for which it has already received consideration from the customer. Contract assets and contract liabilities are reported as other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest:
The acquisition by AFG of 80% of the ownership interests of Xchange, is further described in Note 3. Business Combinations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Ambac received a call option to purchase the remaining 20% of Xchange from the minority owners (i.e., noncontrolling interests) and the minority owners received a put option to sell the remaining 20% to Ambac. The call and put options are exercisable after different time periods elapse. Because the exercise of the put option is outside the control of Ambac, in accordance with the Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity Topic of the ASC, Ambac reports redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section of its consolidated balance sheet.
The redeemable noncontrolling interest is remeasured each period as the greater of:
i.the carrying value under ASC 810, which attributes a portion of consolidated net income (loss) to the redeemable noncontrolling interest; and
ii.the redemption value of the put option under ASC 480 as if it were exercisable at the end of the reporting period.
Any increase (decrease) in the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest as a result of adjusting to the redemption value of the put option is recorded as an offset to retained earnings. The impact of such differences on earnings per share are presented in Note 5. Net Income Per Share.
Following is a rollforward of redeemable noncontrolling interest.
Six Months Ended June 30, | 2021 | |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 7 | ||||||
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (ASC 810) | — | |||||||
Adjustment to redemption value (ASC 480) | 14 | |||||||
Ending balance | $ | 20 |
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 7 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes | $ | 10 | $ | 11 | ||||||||||
Interest on long-term debt | 49 | 58 | ||||||||||||
Non-cash financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Decrease in long-term debt as a result of surplus notes exchanges | $ | 71 | $ | — | ||||||||||
June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 13 | $ | 17 | ||||||||||
Restricted cash | 17 | 15 | ||||||||||||
Variable Interest Entity restricted cash | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | $ | 32 | $ | 34 |
Reclassifications and Rounding
Reclassifications may have been made to prior years' amounts to conform to the current year's presentation. Certain amounts and tables in the consolidated financial statements and associated notes may not add due to rounding.
Adopted Accounting Standards:
Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted the following accounting standard:
Simplifying Income Tax Accounting
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The FASB issued this ASU as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The ASU removes certain exceptions in the guidance related to investments, intra-period allocations and interim period allocations. It further adds new guidance related to the allocation of consolidated income taxes and evaluating a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The ASU did not have a consequential impact on Ambac's financial statements.
Future Application of Accounting Standards:
Reference Rate Reform
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden related to transitioning away from reference rates, such as LIBOR, that are expected to be discontinued as a result of initiatives undertaken by various jurisdictions around the world. For example, under current GAAP, contract modifications which change a reference rate are required to be evaluated in determining whether the modifications result in the establishment of new contracts or the continuation of existing contracts. The amendments in this ASU provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The ASU can be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the interim period that
includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or any date thereafter, but does not apply to contract modifications and other transactions entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022. Management has not determined when it will adopt this ASU, and the impact on Ambac's financial statements is being evaluated.
3. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Ambac, with its subsidiaries, has engaged in transactions with variable interest entities ("VIEs,") in various capacities.
•Ambac provides financial guarantees, including credit derivative contracts, for various debt obligations issued by special purpose entities, including VIEs ("FG VIEs");
•Ambac sponsors special purpose entities that issued notes to investors for various purposes; and
•Ambac is an investor in collateralized debt obligations, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities issued by VIEs and its ownership interest is generally insignificant to the VIE and/or Ambac does not have rights that direct the activities that are most significant to such VIE.
FG VIEs:
Ambac’s subsidiaries provide financial guarantees in respect of assets held or debt obligations of VIEs. Ambac’s primary variable interest exists through this financial guarantee insurance or credit derivative contract. The transaction structures provide certain financial protection to Ambac. Generally, upon deterioration in the performance of a transaction or upon an event of default as specified in the transaction legal documents, Ambac will obtain certain control rights that enable Ambac to remediate losses. These rights may enable Ambac to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. Under the 2018 Stipulation and Order, AAC is required to obtain OCI approval with respect to the exercise of certain significant control rights in connection with policies that had previously been allocated to the Segregated Account. Accordingly, AAC does not have the right to direct the most significant activities of those FG VIEs.
•We determined that Ambac’s subsidiaries generally have the obligation to absorb a FG VIE's expected losses given that
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 8 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
they have issued financial guarantees supporting certain liabilities (and in some cases certain assets). As further described below, Ambac consolidates certain FG VIEs in cases where we also have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance due to one or more of the following: (i) the transaction experiencing deterioration and breaching performance triggers, giving Ambac the ability to exercise certain control rights, (ii) Ambac being involved in the design of the VIE and receiving control rights from its inception, such as may occur from loss remediation activities, or (iii) the transaction not experiencing deterioration, however due to the passive nature of the VIE, Ambac's contingent control rights upon a future breach of performance triggers is considered to be the power over the most significant activity.
•A VIE is deconsolidated in the period that Ambac no longer has such control rights, which could occur in connection with the execution of remediation activities on the transaction or amortization of insured exposure, either of which may reduce the degree of Ambac’s control over a VIE.
•Assets and liabilities of FG VIEs that are consolidated are reported within Variable interest entity assets or Variable interest entity liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
•The election to use the fair value option is made on an instrument by instrument basis. Ambac has elected the fair value option for consolidated FG VIE financial assets and financial liabilities, except in cases where Ambac was involved in the design of the VIE and was granted control rights at its inception.
◦When the fair value option is elected, changes in the fair value of the FG VIE's financial assets and liabilities are reported within Income (loss) on variable interest entities in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), except for the portion of the total change in fair value of financial liabilities caused by changes in the instrument-specific credit risk which is presented separately in Other comprehensive income (loss).
◦In cases where the fair value option has not been elected, the FG VIE's invested assets are fixed maturity securities and are considered available-for-sale as defined by the Investments - Debt Securities Topic of the ASC. These assets are reported in the financial statements at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Stockholders' Equity. The financial liabilities of these FG VIEs consist of long term debt obligations and are carried at par less unamortized discount. Income from the FG VIE's available-for-sale securities (including investment income, realized gains and losses and credit impairments as applicable) and interest expense on long term debt are reported within Income (loss) on variable interest entities in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
•Upon initial consolidation of a FG VIE, Ambac recognizes a gain or loss in earnings for the difference between: (i) the fair value of the consideration paid, the fair value of any non-controlling interests and the reported amount of any previously held interests and (ii) the net amount, as measured on a fair value basis, of the assets and liabilities consolidated. Upon deconsolidation of a FG VIE, Ambac recognizes a gain or loss for the difference between: (i) the fair value of any consideration received, the fair value of any retained non-controlling investment in the VIE and the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest in the VIE and (ii) the carrying amount of the VIE’s assets and liabilities. Gains or losses from consolidation and deconsolidation that are reported in earnings are reported within Income (loss) on variable interest entities on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
•The impact of consolidating such FG VIEs on Ambac’s balance sheet is the elimination of transactions between the consolidated FG VIEs and Ambac’s operating subsidiaries and the inclusion of the FG VIE’s third party assets and liabilities. For a financial guarantee insurance policy issued to a consolidated VIE, Ambac does not reflect the financial guarantee insurance policy in accordance with the related insurance accounting rules under the Financial Services – Insurance Topic of the ASC. Consequently, upon consolidation, Ambac eliminates the insurance assets and liabilities associated with the policy from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such insurance assets and liabilities may include premium receivables, reinsurance recoverable, deferred ceded premium, subrogation recoverable, unearned premiums, loss and loss expense reserves, ceded premiums payable and insurance intangible assets. For investment securities owned by Ambac that are debt instruments issued by the VIE, the associated debt and investment balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
FG VIEs which are consolidated may include non-recourse assets or liabilities. FG VIEs' liabilities (and in some cases assets) that are insured by the Company are with recourse, because the Company guarantees the payment of principal and interest in the event the issuer defaults. FG VIEs' assets and liabilities that are not insured by the Company are without recourse, because Ambac has not issued a financial guarantee and is under no obligation for the payment of principal and interest of these instruments. Therefore, the Company’s economic exposure to consolidated FG VIEs is limited to the financial guarantees issued for recourse assets and liabilities and any additional variable interests held by Ambac. Additionally, Ambac’s general creditors, other than those specific policy holders which own the VIE debt obligations, do not have rights with regard to the assets of the VIEs. Ambac evaluates the net income effects and earnings per share effects to determine attributions between Ambac and non-controlling interests as a result of consolidating a VIE. Ambac has determined that the net income and earnings per share effect of consolidated FG VIEs are attributable to Ambac’s interests through financial guarantee premium and loss payments with the VIE.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 9 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes the carrying values of assets and liabilities, along with other supplemental information related to VIEs that are consolidated as a result of financial guarantees of Ambac UK and AAC:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ambac UK | Ambac Assurance | Total VIEs | Ambac UK | Ambac Assurance | Total VIEs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations, fair value option | $ | 3,175 | $ | — | $ | 3,175 | $ | 3,215 | $ | — | $ | 3,215 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations, available-for-sale (1) | — | 140 | 140 | — | 139 | 139 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total FG VIE fixed maturity securities, at fair value | 3,175 | 140 | 3,315 | 3,215 | 139 | 3,354 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted cash | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans, at fair value (2) | 2,943 | — | 2,943 | 2,998 | — | 2,998 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets | 37 | — | 37 | 41 | — | 41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other assets | — | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total FG VIE assets | $ | 6,156 | $ | 143 | $ | 6,299 | $ | 6,255 | $ | 143 | $ | 6,398 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, at fair value (3) | $ | 4,270 | $ | — | $ | 4,270 | $ | 4,324 | $ | — | $ | 4,324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, at par less unamortized discount | — | 164 | 164 | — | 169 | 169 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total long-term debt | 4,270 | 164 | 4,434 | 4,324 | 169 | 4,493 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | 1,800 | — | 1,800 | 1,835 | — | 1,835 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total FG VIE liabilities | $ | 6,070 | $ | 164 | $ | 6,234 | $ | 6,159 | $ | 169 | $ | 6,328 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of FG VIEs consolidated | 5 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
(1)Available-for-sale FG VIE fixed maturity securities consist of municipal obligations with an amortized cost basis of $110 and $113, and aggregate gross unrealized gains of $30 and $27 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. All such securities had contractual maturities due after ten years as of June 30, 2021.
(2)The unpaid principal balances of loan assets carried at fair value were $2,486 as of June 30, 2021 and $2,546 as of December 31, 2020.
(3)The unpaid principal balances of long-term debt carried at fair value were $3,727 as of June 30, 2021 and $3,769 as of December 31, 2020.
The following schedule details the components of Income (loss) on variable interest entities for the affected periods:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in fair value of VIE assets and liabilities reported under the fair value option | $ | 2 | $ | (2) | $ | 1 | $ | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: Credit risk changes of fair value option long-term debt reported through other comprehensive income (loss) | — | 1 | 1 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in fair value of VIE assets and liabilities reported in earnings | 2 | (1) | 1 | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income on available-for-sale securities | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | — | — | 1 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on long-term debt carried at par less unamortized cost | (1) | (1) | (3) | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) on variable interest entities | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 2 | $ | 3 |
Ambac did not consolidate any new VIEs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, and the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. Ambac deconsolidated no VIEs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, and deconsolidated one VIE for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 10 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
The following table displays the carrying amount of the assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss of Ambac’s variable interests in non-consolidated VIEs resulting from financial guarantee and derivative contracts by major underlying asset classes, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum Exposure To Loss (1) | Insurance Assets (2) | Insurance Liabilities (3) | Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities) (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Global structured finance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed—residential | $ | 3,747 | $ | 1,967 | $ | 527 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Other consumer asset-backed | 894 | 19 | 234 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Other commercial asset-backed | 1 | 3 | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 880 | — | 10 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total global structured finance | 5,523 | 1,989 | 772 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Global public finance | 20,802 | 264 | 278 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 26,325 | $ | 2,254 | $ | 1,051 | $ | 6 | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Global structured finance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed—residential | $ | 4,308 | $ | 2,024 | $ | 580 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Other consumer asset-backed | 1,050 | 24 | 239 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Other commercial asset-backed | 24 | 3 | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 970 | — | 13 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total global structured finance | 6,352 | 2,051 | 834 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Global public finance | 21,646 | 263 | 287 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 27,998 | $ | 2,314 | $ | 1,122 | $ | 8 |
(1)Maximum exposure to loss represents the maximum future payments of principal and interest on insured obligations and derivative contracts. Ambac’s maximum exposure to loss does not include the benefit of any financial instruments (such as reinsurance or hedge contracts) that Ambac may utilize to mitigate the risks associated with these variable interests.
(2)Insurance assets represent the amount included in “Premium receivables” and “Subrogation recoverable” for financial guarantee insurance contracts on Ambac’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)Insurance liabilities represent the amount included in “Loss and loss expense reserves” and “Unearned premiums” for financial guarantee insurance contracts on Ambac’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4)Net derivative assets (liabilities) represent the fair value recognized on credit derivative contracts and interest rate swaps on Ambac’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Ambac Sponsored Non-consolidated VIEs:
In 1994, Ambac established a VIE to provide certain financial guarantee clients with funding for their debt obligations. This VIE was established as a separate legal entity, demonstrably distinct from Ambac and that Ambac, its affiliates or its agents could not unilaterally dissolve. The permitted activities of this entity were contractually limited to purchasing assets from Ambac, issuing medium-term notes ("MTNs") to fund such purchases, executing derivative hedges and obtaining financial guarantee policies with respect to indebtedness incurred. Ambac did not consolidate this entity because the exercise of related control rights in such policies remained subject to OCI approval under the Stipulation and Order, as discussed above. Ambac elected to account for its equity interest in this entity at fair value under the fair value option in accordance with the Financial Instruments Topic of the ASC. We believe that the fair value of the investments in this entity provided for greater transparency for recording profit or loss as compared to the equity method under the Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures Topic of the ASC. On
February 22, 2021, the last investment held, derivative instrument and MTN issued by this entity matured and were paid in full. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of this entity was less than a million and $1, respectively, and is reported within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Total principal amount of debt outstanding was $410 at December 31, 2020.
On August 28, 2014, Ambac monetized its ownership of the junior surplus note issued to it by AAC by depositing the junior surplus note into the Corolla Trust, a VIE, in exchange for cash and the Corolla Certificate, which represented Ambac's right to residual cash flows from the junior surplus note. Ambac did not consolidate the VIE since it did not have a variable interest in the trust. Ambac reported the Corolla Certificate as an equity investment within Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with associated results from operations included within Net investment income (loss): Other investments on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 11 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on January 22, 2021, AAC completed the Corolla Note Exchange transaction whereby it acquired 100% of the outstanding Notes of the Corolla Trust and the Corolla Certificates for AAC surplus notes and subsequently dissolved the Corolla Trust.
On February 12, 2018, Ambac formed a VIE, Ambac LSNI, LLC ("Ambac LSNI"). Ambac LSNI issued LSNI Secured Notes in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions. Ambac does not consolidate the VIE since it does not have a variable interest in the trust. Ambac reports its holdings of LSNI Secured Notes within Fixed Maturity Securities in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets. The carrying value of LSNI Secured Notes held by Ambac was $463 and $465 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Ambac's debt obligation to the VIE had a carrying value of $1,626 and $1,641 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and is reported within Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on July 6, 2021, Sitka, Ambac's newly formed non-consolidated VIE, issued the Sitka Senior Secured Notes that were used to fund a portion of the full redemption of the LSNI Secured Notes issued by LSNI, with the remaining balance redeemed utilizing other available sources of liquidity.
4. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The following tables detail the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the affected periods:
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Securities (1) | Amortization of Postretirement Benefit (1) | Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation (1) | Credit Risk Changes of Fair Value Option Liabilities (1) (2) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Balance | $ | 142 | $ | 5 | $ | (86) | $ | (1) | $ | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 25 | — | 1 | — | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | 26 | — | 1 | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 | $ | 168 | $ | 5 | $ | (84) | $ | (1) | $ | 87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Balance | $ | 5 | $ | 6 | $ | (162) | $ | 2 | $ | (149) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 114 | — | (2) | — | 111 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (10) | — | — | (1) | (11) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | 104 | — | (2) | (1) | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 109 | $ | 6 | $ | (164) | $ | — | $ | (48) |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Balance | $ | 166 | $ | 5 | $ | (92) | $ | — | $ | 79 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 4 | — | 8 | — | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (2) | (1) | — | (1) | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | 2 | (1) | 8 | (1) | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 | $ | 168 | $ | 5 | $ | (84) | $ | (1) | $ | 87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Balance | $ | 151 | $ | 8 | $ | (116) | $ | (2) | $ | 42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | (25) | (2) | (48) | — | (75) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | (17) | — | — | 2 | (15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income | $ | (42) | $ | (2) | $ | (48) | $ | 2 | $ | (90) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 109 | $ | 6 | $ | (164) | $ | — | $ | (48) |
(1)All amounts are net of tax and noncontrolling interest. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
(2)Represents the changes in fair value attributable to instrument-specific credit risk of liabilities for which the fair value option is elected.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 12 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
The following table details the significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, shown in the above rollforward tables, for the affected periods:
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 2 | $ | (10) | $ | (1) | $ | (18) | Net realized investment gains (losses) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | 1 | (1) | 1 | Provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 1 | $ | (10) | $ | (2) | $ | (17) | Net of tax and noncontrolling interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of Postretirement Benefit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | Other income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial (losses) | — | — | — | — | Other income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | — | (1) | — | Total before tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | Provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | Net of tax and noncontrolling interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk changes of fair value option liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | (1) | $ | (1) | $ | 3 | Credit risk changes of fair value option liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | Provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | (1) | $ | (1) | $ | 2 | Net of tax and noncontrolling interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total reclassifications for the period | $ | 1 | $ | (11) | $ | (3) | $ | (15) | Net of tax and noncontrolling interest |
5. NET INCOME PER SHARE
As of June 30, 2021, 46,198,283 shares of AFG's common stock (par value $0.01) and warrants entitling holders to acquire up to 4,877,617 shares of new common stock at an exercise price of $16.67 per share were issued and outstanding. Common shares outstanding increased by 389,144 during the six months ended June 30, 2021, primarily due to settlements of employee restricted and performance stock units.
The numerator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation represents net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders adjusted by the retained earnings impact of the noncontrolling adjustment to redemption value under ASC 480. The redemption value adjustment is further described in the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest section of Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies,
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to common stockholders to the numerator in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation, together with the resulting earnings per share amounts:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (29) | $ | (35) | (12) | (315) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustment to redemption value (ASC 480) | (1) | — | (14) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Numerator of basic and diluted EPS | $ | (29) | $ | (35) | (25) | (315) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Per Share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (0.63) | $ | (0.77) | $ | (0.54) | $ | (6.83) | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | (0.63) | $ | (0.77) | $ | (0.54) | $ | (6.83) |
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 13 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
The denominator of the basic earnings per share computation represents the weighted average common shares outstanding plus vested restricted stock units (together, "Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding"). The denominator of diluted earnings per share adjusts the basic weighted average shares outstanding for all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. All potential dilutive common shares outstanding consider common stock deliverable pursuant to warrants, unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units granted under existing compensation plans.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the weighted average shares denominator used for basic net income per share to the denominator used for diluted net income per share:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding denominator | 46,576,673 | 46,166,666 | 46,446,087 | 46,113,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of potential dilutive shares (1): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock units | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance stock units (2) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding denominator | 46,576,673 | 46,166,666 | 46,446,087 | 46,113,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the above reconciliation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options | — | 16,667 | — | 16,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants | 4,877,617 | 4,877,749 | 4,877,617 | 4,877,757 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock units | 518,306 | 288,562 | 453,236 | 262,395 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance stock units (2) | 434,081 | 997,841 | 435,059 | 929,057 |
(1) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Ambac had a net loss and accordingly excluded all potentially dilutive securities from the determination of diluted loss per share as their impact was anti-dilutive.
(2) Performance stock units are reflected based on the performance metrics through the balance sheet date. Vesting of these units is contingent upon meeting certain performance metrics. Although a portion of these performance metrics have been achieved as of the respective period end, it is possible that awards may no longer meet the metric at the end of the performance period.
6. INSURANCE CONTRACTS
Amounts presented in this Note relate only to Ambac’s non-derivative insurance business for insurance policies issued to beneficiaries, excluding consolidated VIEs.
Premiums:
The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned was as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Written | Earned | Written | Earned | ||||||||||||||||||||
Direct | $ | (3) | $ | 14 | $ | (1) | $ | 14 | |||||||||||||||
Assumed | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Ceded | 9 | 3 | — | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | (13) | $ | 11 | $ | — | $ | 11 | |||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Written | Earned | Written | Earned | ||||||||||||||||||||
Direct | $ | (5) | $ | 31 | $ | 10 | $ | 27 | |||||||||||||||
Assumed | — | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ceded | 16 | 6 | (1) | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | (21) | $ | 25 | $ | 11 | $ | 21 |
The following table summarizes net premiums earned by location of risk:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 7 | $ | 8 | $ | 14 | $ | 15 | |||||||||||||||
United Kingdom | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other international | 1 | (1) | 4 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 25 | $ | 21 |
Premium Receivables, including credit impairments:
Premium receivables at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $345 and $370, respectively. Financial guarantee premium receivables are discounted using an appropriate risk-free rate corresponding to the weighted average life of each policy and currency is used to discount the future premiums contractually due or expected to be collected. For example, U.S. dollar exposures are discounted using U.S. Treasury rates. The weighted average risk-free rate at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, was 2.2% and 2.2%, respectively, and the weighted average period of future premiums used to estimate the premium receivable at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, was 8.3 years and 8.3 years years, respectively. Specialty property and casualty premiums are not discounted.
Management evaluates premium receivables for expected credit losses ("credit impairment") in accordance with the CECL
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 14 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
standard adopted January 1, 2020, which is further described in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Ambac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Management's evaluation of credit impairment under prior GAAP rules was not materially different.
As further discussed in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Ambac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, the key indicator management uses to assess the credit quality of financial guarantee premium receivables is Ambac's internal risk classifications for the insured obligation determined by the Risk Management Group. Below is the amortized cost basis of financial guarantee premium receivables by risk classification code and asset class as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Surveillance Categories as of June 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type of Guaranteed Bond | I | IA | II | III | IV | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Finance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Housing revenue | $ | 153 | $ | 4 | $ | 5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 162 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 2 | — | — | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Public Finance | 155 | 4 | 5 | — | — | 164 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Structured Finance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and home equity | 2 | — | 1 | 3 | 13 | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Structured insurance | 11 | — | — | — | — | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Student loan | 2 | — | 2 | 10 | — | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 7 | — | — | — | — | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Structured Finance | 21 | — | 2 | 12 | 13 | 49 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sovereign/sub-sovereign | 87 | 7 | — | 12 | — | 106 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investor-owned and public utilities | 29 | — | — | — | — | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 6 | — | — | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total International | 122 | 7 | — | 12 | — | 141 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total (1) (2) | $ | 299 | $ | 11 | $ | 7 | $ | 24 | $ | 13 | $ | 355 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Surveillance Categories as of December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type of Guaranteed Bond | I | IA | II | III | IV | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Finance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Housing revenue | $ | 155 | $ | 13 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 168 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 2 | 15 | — | — | — | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Public Finance | 157 | 27 | — | — | — | 185 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Structured Finance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and home equity | 3 | — | 1 | 3 | 15 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Structured insurance | 14 | — | — | — | — | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Student loan | 3 | — | 2 | 11 | — | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 7 | — | — | — | — | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Structured Finance | 27 | — | 3 | 14 | 15 | 59 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sovereign/sub-sovereign | 82 | 13 | — | 13 | — | 108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investor-owned and public utilities | 31 | — | — | — | — | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 5 | — | — | — | — | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total International | 118 | 13 | — | 13 | — | 144 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total (2) | $ | 302 | $ | 40 | $ | 3 | $ | 27 | $ | 15 | $ | 387 |
(1) Excludes specialty property and casualty premium receivables of $1.
(2) The underwriting origination dates for all policies included are greater than five years prior to the current reporting date.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 15 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Below is a rollforward of the premium receivable allowance for credit losses as of June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance (1) | $ | 13 | $ | 14 | $ | 17 | $ | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current period provision (2) | (1) | 2 | (5) | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Write-offs of the allowance | (1) | — | (1) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoveries of previously written-off amounts | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance | $ | 11 | $ | 16 | $ | 11 | $ | 16 |
(1)At December 31, 2019, $9 of premiums receivable were deemed uncollectible as determined under prior GAAP rules.
(2)The three and six months ended June 30, 2020, includes $3 from the adoption of CECL.
At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, a deminimis amount of premiums were past due.
Financial Guarantee Premium Receivables:
Gross premiums are received either upfront or in installments. For premiums received upfront, an unearned premium revenue (“UPR”) liability is established, which is initially recorded as the cash amount received. For financial guarantee installment premium policies, a premium receivable asset and offsetting UPR liability is initially established in an amount equal to: (i) the present value of future contractual premiums due (the “contractual” method) or (ii) if the assets underlying the insured obligation are homogenous pools which are contractually prepayable, the present value of premiums to be collected over the expected life of the transaction (the “expected” method).
Below is the gross premium receivable roll-forward (direct and assumed contracts) for the affected periods:
Six Months Ended June 30, | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
Beginning premium receivable | $ | 370 | $ | 416 | ||||||||||
Adjustment to initially apply ASU 2016-13 | — | (3) | ||||||||||||
Premium receipts | (19) | (22) | ||||||||||||
Adjustments for changes in expected and contractual cash flows for contracts (1) | (17) | 9 | ||||||||||||
Accretion of premium receivable discount for contracts | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||||
Changes to allowance for credit losses | 6 | (4) | ||||||||||||
Other adjustments (including foreign exchange) | — | (8) | ||||||||||||
Ending premium receivable (2) | $ | 344 | $ | 392 |
(1) Adjustments for changes in expected and contractual cash flows primarily due to reductions in insured exposure as a result of early policy terminations and unscheduled principal paydowns.
(2) Premium receivable includes premiums to be received in foreign denominated currencies most notably in British Pounds and Euros. At June 30, 2021 and 2020, premium receivables include British Pounds of $122 (£88) and $127 (£103), respectively, and Euros of $16 (€13) and $22 (€19), respectively.
The table below summarizes the future gross undiscounted financial guarantee premiums to be collected and future premiums earned, net of reinsurance at June 30, 2021:
Future Premiums to be Collected (1) | Future Premiums to be Earned Net of Reinsurance (2) | ||||||||||
Three months ended: | |||||||||||
September 30, 2021 | 10 | 8 | |||||||||
December 31, 2021 | 8 | 8 | |||||||||
Twelve months ended: | |||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | 34 | 30 | |||||||||
December 31, 2023 | 32 | 28 | |||||||||
December 31, 2024 | 31 | 27 | |||||||||
December 31, 2025 | 30 | 25 | |||||||||
Five years ended: | |||||||||||
December 31, 2030 | 126 | 105 | |||||||||
December 31, 2035 | 88 | 66 | |||||||||
December 31, 2040 | 42 | 28 | |||||||||
December 31, 2045 | 19 | 11 | |||||||||
December 31, 2050 | 7 | 4 | |||||||||
December 31, 2055 | 1 | — | |||||||||
Total | $ | 425 | $ | 341 |
(1)Future premiums to be collected are undiscounted, gross of allowance for credit losses, and are used to derive the discounted premium receivable asset recorded on Ambac's balance sheet.
(2)Future premiums to be earned, net of reinsurance relate to the unearned premiums liability and deferred ceded premium asset recorded on Ambac’s balance sheet. The use of contractual lives for many bond types which do not have homogeneous pools of underlying collateral is required in the calculation of the premium receivable, as further described in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Ambac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. This results in a different premium receivable balance than if expected lives were considered. If installment paying policies are retired or prepay early, premiums reflected in the premium receivable asset and amounts reported in the above table for such policies may not be collected. Future premiums to be earned also considers the use of contractual lives for many bond types which do not have homogeneous pools of underlying collateral, which may result in different unearned premium than if expected lives were considered. If those bonds types are retired early, premium earnings may be negative in the period of call or refinancing.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 16 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves:
Ambac’s loss and loss expense reserves (“loss reserves”) are based on management’s on-going review of the insured portfolio. Financial guarantee loss reserves are recorded based on the present value of expected net claim cash outflows or expected net recovery cash inflows, discounted at risk-free rates. Below are the components of the loss reserves liability and the Subrogation recoverable asset at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
June 30, 2021: | December 31, 2020: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Line Item | Claims and Loss Expenses (1) | Recoveries | Unearned Premium Revenue | Gross Loss and Loss Expense Reserves | Claims and Loss Expenses | Recoveries | Unearned Premium Revenue | Gross Loss and Loss Expense Reserves | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss and loss expense reserves | $ | 1,881 | $ | (180) | $ | (59) | $ | 1,641 | $ | 2,060 | $ | (229) | $ | (72) | $ | 1,759 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subrogation recoverable | 90 | (2,188) | — | (2,097) | 100 | (2,256) | — | (2,156) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Totals | $ | 1,971 | $ | (2,368) | $ | (59) | $ | (456) | $ | 2,160 | $ | (2,486) | $ | (72) | $ | (397) |
(1)Includes loss and loss expense reserves for the specialty property and casualty business.
Below is the loss and loss reserve expense roll-forward, net of subrogation recoverable and reinsurance, for the affected periods:
Six Months Ended June 30, | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Beginning gross loss and loss expense reserves | $ | (397) | $ | (482) | |||||||
Reinsurance recoverable | 33 | 26 | |||||||||
Beginning balance of net loss and loss expense reserves | (430) | (508) | |||||||||
Losses and loss expenses (benefit): | |||||||||||
Current year | — | 16 | |||||||||
Prior years | (18) | 116 | |||||||||
Total (1) (2) | (18) | 132 | |||||||||
Loss and loss expenses paid (recovered): | |||||||||||
Current year | — | — | |||||||||
Prior years | 38 | 61 | |||||||||
Total | 38 | 61 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange effect | — | — | |||||||||
Ending net loss and loss expense reserves | (486) | (437) | |||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable (3) | 30 | 35 | |||||||||
Ending gross loss and loss expense reserves | $ | (456) | $ | (401) |
(1)Total losses and loss expenses (benefit) includes $2 and $(11) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to ceded reinsurance.
(2)Ambac records the impact of estimated recoveries related to securitized loans in RMBS transactions that breached certain representations and warranties ("R&W's) by transaction sponsors within losses and loss expenses (benefit). The losses and loss expense (benefit) incurred associated with changes in estimated R&W's for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, was $10 and $(30), respectively.
(3)Represents reinsurance recoverable on future loss and loss expenses. Additionally, the Balance Sheet line "Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses" includes reinsurance recoverables (payables) of $1 and $1 as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to previously presented loss and loss expenses and subrogation.
For 2021, the positive development in prior years was primarily due the RMBS portfolio.
For 2020, the adverse development in prior years was primarily a result of deterioration in Public Finance credits, primarily Puerto Rico, partially offset by positive development in the RMBS portfolio.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 17 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Financial Guarantee Loss Reserves:
The tables below summarize information related to policies currently included in Ambac’s loss and loss expense reserves or subrogation recoverable at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Gross par exposures include capital appreciation bonds which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bond. The weighted average risk-free rate used to discount loss reserves at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020,was 1.5% and 1.1%, respectively.
Surveillance Categories as of June 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I | IA | II | III | IV | V | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of policies | 40 | 27 | 20 | 16 | 134 | 5 | 242 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years) (1) | 10 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 7 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross insured contractual payments outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal | $ | 894 | $ | 508 | $ | 705 | $ | 1,389 | $ | 3,009 | $ | 40 | $ | 6,545 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest | 328 | 716 | 425 | 185 | 1,350 | 24 | 3,028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,222 | $ | 1,224 | $ | 1,130 | $ | 1,574 | $ | 4,359 | $ | 65 | $ | 9,573 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross undiscounted claim liability | $ | 4 | $ | 13 | $ | 59 | $ | 559 | $ | 1,539 | $ | 65 | $ | 2,239 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount, gross claim liability | — | (1) | (3) | (114) | (198) | (4) | (320) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability before all subrogation and before reinsurance | 4 | 12 | 56 | 445 | 1,341 | 60 | 1,919 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross RMBS subrogation (2) | — | — | — | — | (1,742) | — | (1,742) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount, RMBS subrogation | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discounted RMBS subrogation, before reinsurance | — | — | — | — | (1,741) | — | (1,741) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross other subrogation (3) | — | (6) | — | (35) | (601) | (12) | (654) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount, other subrogation | — | — | — | 2 | 23 | 2 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discounted other subrogation, before reinsurance | — | (6) | — | (33) | (578) | (10) | (627) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability, net of all subrogation and discounts, before reinsurance | 4 | 6 | 56 | 413 | (977) | 50 | (449) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Unearned premium revenue | (2) | (4) | (9) | (15) | (28) | (1) | (59) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Plus: Loss expense reserves | 2 | — | 1 | 4 | 45 | — | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross loss and loss expense reserves | $ | 3 | $ | 2 | $ | 47 | $ | 402 | $ | (960) | $ | 49 | $ | (456) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable reported on Balance Sheet (4) | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 13 | $ | 23 | $ | (8) | $ | — | $ | 30 |
(1)Remaining weighted-average contract period is weighted based on projected gross claims over the lives of the respective policies.
(2)RMBS subrogation represents Ambac’s estimate of subrogation recoveries from RMBS transaction sponsors for representation and warranty ("R&W") breaches.
(3)Other subrogation represents subrogation related to excess spread and other contractual cash flows on public finance and structured finance transactions including RMBS.
(4)Reinsurance recoverable reported on the Balance Sheet includes reinsurance recoverables of $30 related to future loss and loss expenses and $1 related to presented loss and loss expenses and subrogation.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 18 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Surveillance Categories as of December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I | IA | II | III | IV | V | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of policies | 40 | 25 | 15 | 15 | 132 | 5 | 232 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years) (1) | 10 | 18 | 8 | 16 | 14 | 7 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross insured contractual payments outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal | $ | 842 | $ | 1,375 | $ | 595 | $ | 1,469 | $ | 3,246 | $ | 47 | $ | 7,573 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest | 279 | 1,011 | 484 | 215 | 1,427 | 26 | 3,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,121 | $ | 2,386 | $ | 1,079 | $ | 1,685 | $ | 4,673 | $ | 72 | $ | 11,016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross undiscounted claim liability | $ | 3 | $ | 49 | $ | 40 | $ | 541 | $ | 1,690 | $ | 72 | $ | 2,395 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount, gross claim liability | — | (2) | (1) | (85) | (213) | (3) | (303) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability before all subrogation and before reinsurance | 3 | 47 | 40 | 456 | 1,477 | 69 | 2,092 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross RMBS subrogation (2) | — | — | — | — | (1,753) | — | (1,753) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount, RMBS subrogation | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discounted RMBS subrogation, before reinsurance | — | — | — | — | (1,751) | — | (1,751) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross other subrogation (3) | — | — | — | (36) | (706) | (12) | (755) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount, other subrogation | — | — | — | 1 | 18 | 1 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discounted other subrogation, before reinsurance | — | — | — | (35) | (689) | (11) | (735) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability, net of all subrogation and discounts, before reinsurance | 3 | 47 | 39 | 421 | (963) | 58 | (394) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Unearned premium revenue | (2) | (16) | (5) | (17) | (30) | (1) | (72) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Plus: Loss expense reserves | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 59 | — | 68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross loss and loss expense reserves | $ | 2 | $ | 32 | $ | 35 | $ | 409 | $ | (933) | $ | 57 | $ | (397) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable reported on Balance Sheet (4) | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | 9 | $ | 24 | $ | (6) | $ | — | $ | 33 |
(1)Remaining weighted-average contract period is weighted based on projected gross claims over the lives of the respective policies.
(2)RMBS subrogation represents Ambac’s estimate of subrogation recoveries from RMBS transaction sponsors for R&W breaches.
(3)Other subrogation represents subrogation related to excess spread and other contractual cash flows on public finance and structured finance transactions, including RMBS.
(4)Reinsurance recoverable reported on the Balance Sheet includes reinsurance recoverables of $33 related to future loss and loss expenses and $1 related to presented loss and loss expenses and subrogation.
COVID-19:
In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus, was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the outbreak is widespread globally, including in the markets in which we operate. The COVID-19 outbreak had, and continues to have, a notable impact on general economic conditions, including but not limited to higher unemployment; volatility in the capital markets; closure or severe curtailment of the operations and, hence, revenues, of many businesses and public and private enterprises to which we are directly or indirectly exposed, such as hotels, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities, airports and other transportation facilities, and retail establishments, mostly due to social distancing guidelines, travel bans and restrictions, and business restrictions and shutdowns.
COVID-19 has adversely impacted Ambac's financial position and results of operations as credit risk in the insured and
investment portfolios has increased. In the insured portfolio, municipal, mortgage-backed, student loan and other asset securitization exposures could be materially adversely impacted.
In the U.S., significant fiscal stimulus measures, monetary policy actions and other relief measures have helped to moderate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, and have supported the economic recovery which began in the second half of 2020 and continues into 2021. These measures include the March 2021, $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA, which together with other fiscal stimulus measures put in place in 2020, provide for, among other things, funding to state and local governments, direct payments to households, support for small businesses, renter assistance and funding for transport, airlines, healthcare and education. Monetary policy decisions have included quantitative easing and the provision of liquidity to financial institutions and credit markets. In addition, housing measures, such as forbearance on mortgages and suspension of foreclosures and evictions, and various executive orders have helped to
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 19 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
provide relief. Outside of the US, and in the United Kingdom and Italy in particular, where Ambac has insured portfolio exposure, various monetary policy, fiscal stimulus measures and other actions have also helped to moderate the negative economic impact and support recovery.
We are continuously evaluating and updating our view of the macro economic environment as well as our specific credit view of each of our insured exposures considering the significant uncertainties brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, despite the current economic recovery, our loss reserves may be under-estimated as a result of the ultimate scope, duration and magnitude of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
Puerto Rico:
Ambac has exposure to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the "Commonwealth") and its instrumentalities across several different issuing entities with total net par exposure of $1,067. Components of Puerto Rico net par outstanding include capital appreciation bonds which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the related insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bonds. Each issuing entity has its own credit risk profile attributable to discrete revenue sources, direct general obligation pledges or general obligation guarantees. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities have defaulted and may continue to default on debt service payments, including payments owed on bonds insured by AAC. AAC will be required to make significant amounts of policy payments over the next several years, the recoverability of which is subject to great uncertainty, which may lead to a material increase in permanent losses causing a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Our exposure to Puerto Rico is impacted by the amount of monies available for debt service, which is in turn affected by a number of factors including variability in economic growth and demographic trends, tax revenues, changes in law or the effects thereof, essential services expense, federal funding of Commonwealth needs, as well as interpretation of legal documents, legislation, updated financial information (when available), and, overall, outcomes related to the debt restructuring process. In the near-term, the financial and economic outlook for Puerto Rico is dependent upon a still fragile infrastructure, heightening its vulnerability to additional weather events; and the trajectory of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The longer-term recovery of the Commonwealth economy and its essential infrastructure will likely be dependent on, among other factors, the management, usage and efficacy of federal resources.
Also important to Puerto Rico's economic growth, government reform and creditor outcomes is the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, the most recent of which was certified by the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico ("Oversight Board") on April 23, 2021. The most recent Commonwealth Fiscal Plan purports to incorporate the impact of the federal recovery money stemming from the 2017 hurricanes, 2019-2020 earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, including the recently enacted ARPA. As with previous fiscal plans, the current certified Commonwealth Fiscal Plan may significantly inform the Commonwealth Plan of Adjustment in the Commonwealth's Title III proceeding. However, as was the case with previous versions of the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, the current version of the
Commonwealth Fiscal Plan lacks a high degree of transparency regarding the underlying data, assumptions and rationales supporting those assumptions, making reconciliation and due diligence difficult. As a result, it is difficult to predict the long-term capacity and willingness of the Puerto Rico government and its instrumentalities to pay debt service on bonded debt and how their debt burden and financial flexibility might affect AAC's claims development potential, risk profile and long-term financial strength.
In July 2021, the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority ("PBA"), and the Employees Retirement System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ("ERS") filed the Seventh Amended Title III Joint Plan of Adjustment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (“Seventh Amended POA”) that proposes to restructure approximately $35,000 of debt and $50,000 in pension obligations. The Seventh Amended POA, among other things, reflects the settlement in the recently agreed-to PRIFA Related Plan Support Agreement (“PRIFA PSA”) that was signed on July 27, 2021, by the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, AAC, FGIC and other holders of Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority ("PRIFA") Special Tax Revenues ("Rum Tax") bonds. In July 2021, AAC also joined other existing plan support agreements ("PSAs") covering its remaining unrestructured Puerto Rico exposures, including bonds issued by the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority ("PRHTA"), the Convention Center District Authority ("CCDA"), and Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority ("PBA"), and general obligation ("GO") bonds.
The PRIFA PSA provides consideration for PRIFA bondholders in the form of a combination of cash and a Rum Tax Contingent Value Instrument (the "Rum Tax CVI"), deposited into a trust held for the benefit of PRIFA bondholders (the “PRIFA Trust”). The Rum Tax CVI comprises potential cash payments related to outperformance of general fund rum tax collections relative to the certified 2021 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections. The PRIFA Trust will also be funded with an approximately 27% share of the Clawback CVI (described below), which is tied to potential cash payments related to the outperformance of the Commonwealth's sales and use tax ("SUT") against the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections. The rum tax and SUT outperformance measures are subject to a joint lifetime nominal cap of 75% of the allowed PRIFA claim under the Seventh Amended POA.
The PRHTA/CCDA Related Plan Support Agreement ("PRHTA/CCDA PSA"), dated May 5, 2021, between the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and PRHTA, Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. ("Assured"), National Public Finance Guarantee Corp. ("National"), and certain holders of PRHTA and CCDA bonds, which AAC joined on July 15, 2021, provides consideration for holders of PRHTA and CCDA bonds on account of their claims against the Commonwealth that consists of interests of approximately 69% and 4%, respectively, of a contingent value instrument tied to the outperformance of the SUT against the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections (the "Clawback CVI"). The Clawback CVI
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 20 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
outperformance measures are subject to a lifetime nominal cap of 75% of the allowed PRHTA and CCDA claims under the Seventh Amended POA. Under the PRHTA/CCDA PSA, the PRHTA and CCDA creditors would also receive consideration in the form of new PRHTA bonds and cash for PRHTA creditors, and cash for CCDA creditors.
The Amended and Restated Plan Support Agreement ("Amended and Restated GO/PBA PSA"), dated July 12, 2021, between the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, PBA, and ERS, Assured, National, Syncora Guarantee Inc., and certain holders of GO and PBA bonds, which AAC joined on July 27, 2021, provides consideration for holders of GO and PBA bonds comprised of a combination of cash, new GO bonds and a contingent value instrument intended to provide creditors with additional returns tied to the outperformance of the SUT against the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections.
Substantial uncertainty still exists with respect to the ultimate outcome for creditors in Puerto Rico, such as AAC, due to, among other matters, whether or not the Seventh Amended POA ultimately is confirmed and implemented in its current form or as modified; uncertainty related to the value of the proposed CVI instruments in the plan support agreements; actual performance of the CVI instruments; legislation enacted by the Commonwealth and the federal government, including PROMESA; and actions taken pursuant to such laws, including Title III filings.
No assurance can be given that the Seventh Amended POA or a similar plan of adjustment will be confirmed by the Title III court and successfully implemented, that a PRHTA plan of adjustment or PRIFA and CCDA plans of adjustment or Title VI agreements will not differ substantially from existing plan support agreements or will be confirmed or approved, or that the failure to confirm or approve and implement the Seventh Amended POA or a similar plan of adjustment, or a plan of adjustment or Title VI agreement with respect to PRHTA, PRIFA or CCDA would not have a material adverse impact on Ambac's financial condition and results of operations. It is possible that certain restructuring process solutions, together with associated legislation, budgetary, and/or public policy proposals could be adopted and could further impair our exposures, causing losses that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
While our reserving scenarios account for a wide range of possible outcomes, reflecting the significant uncertainty regarding future developments and outcomes, given our significant exposure to Puerto Rico and the economic, fiscal, legal and political uncertainties associated therewith, our loss reserves may ultimately prove to be insufficient to cover our losses, potentially having a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position, and may be subject to material volatility.
Ambac has considered these developments and other factors in evaluating its Puerto Rico loss reserves. While management believes its reserves are adequate to cover losses in its Public Finance insured portfolio, there can be no assurance that Ambac may not incur additional losses in the future, given the circumstances described herein. Such additional losses may have a material adverse effect on Ambac’s results of operations and
financial condition and may result in adverse consequences such as impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; decreased likelihood of AAC delivering value to Ambac, through dividends or otherwise; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by Ambac or AAC. For public finance credits, including Puerto Rico, as well as other issuers, for which Ambac has an estimate of expected loss at June 30, 2021, the possible increase in loss reserves under stress or other adverse conditions and circumstances was estimated to be approximately $545. This possible increase in loss reserves under stress or other adverse conditions is significant and if we were to experience such incremental losses, our stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2021, would decrease from $1,123 to $578. However, there can be no assurance that losses may not exceed such amount.
Representation and Warranty Recoveries:
Ambac records estimated RMBS R&W subrogation recoveries for breaches of R&W by sponsors of certain RMBS transactions. For a discussion of the approach utilized to estimate RMBS R&W subrogation recoveries, see Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Ambac has recorded RMBS R&W subrogation recoveries of $1,741 ($1,715 net of reinsurance) and $1,751 ($1,725 net of reinsurance) at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Below is the rollforward of RMBS R&W subrogation for the affected periods:
Six Months Ended June 30, | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Discounted R&W subrogation (gross of reinsurance) at beginning of period | $ | 1,751 | $ | 1,727 | |||||||
All other changes (1) | (10) | 30 | |||||||||
Discounted R&W subrogation (gross of reinsurance) at end of period | $ | 1,741 | $ | 1,757 |
(1)All other changes which may impact RMBS R&W subrogation recoveries include changes in actual or projected collateral performance, changes in the creditworthiness of a sponsor and/or the projected timing of recoveries.
Our ability to realize R&W subrogation recoveries is subject to significant uncertainty, including risks inherent in litigation, including adverse rulings or decisions in our cases or in litigations to which AAC is not a party that set precedents or resolve questions of law that impact our own claims; collectability of such amounts from counterparties (and/or their respective parents and affiliates); timing of receipt of any such recoveries; intervention by OCI, which could impede our ability to take actions required to realize such recoveries; and uncertainty inherent in the assumptions used in estimating such recoveries. Failure to realize R&W subrogation recoveries for any reason or the realization of R&W subrogation recoveries materially below the amount recorded on Ambac's consolidated balance sheet would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. If we were unable to realize R&W subrogation recoveries recorded on Ambac's consolidated balance
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 21 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
sheet, our stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2021, would decrease from $1,123 to $(592). Additionally, failure to realize R&W subrogation recoveries, or the realization of recoveries significantly below those recorded on the balance sheet, may result in adverse consequences such as impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; AAC not being able to deliver value to Ambac, through dividends or otherwise; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by Ambac or AAC.
Reinsurance Recoverables, Including Credit Impairments:
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the associated loss and loss expense reserves. The Company reports its reinsurance recoverables net of an allowance for amounts that are estimated to be uncollectible. The allowance is based upon Ambac's ongoing review of amounts outstanding, changes in reinsurer credit standing, disputes and other relevant factors. The Company evaluates and monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.
The key indicator management uses to assess the credit quality of reinsurance recoverables is collateral posted by the reinsurers and independent rating agency credit ratings. For the majority of reinsurance contracts where Ambac has recorded a recoverable, the fair value of collateral posted by the reinsurer exceeds the reinsurance recoverable carrying value, net of ceded premiums payable. Ambac has uncollateralized credit exposure of $3 and $1 and has recorded an allowance for credit losses of $— and $— at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Insurance intangible asset:
The insurance intangible asset and accumulated amortization are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as shown below.
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
Gross carrying value of insurance intangible asset | $ | 1,283 | $ | 1,281 | ||||||||||
Accumulated amortization of insurance intangible asset | 940 | 908 | ||||||||||||
Net insurance intangible asset | $ | 343 | 373 |
Other Intangible Assets:
In connection with the acquisition of Xchange the fair value of identifiable intangible assets were recorded. The majority of these intangible assets relate to existing relationships Xchange maintained with a variety of brokers and distributors across its product lines. The gross carrying value of the identifiable intangibles, accumulated amortization and net identifiable intangibles is $36, $1 and $34, respectively at June 30, 2021 and $36, $— and $36, respectively at December 31, 2020.
Amortization Expense:
Amortization expense is included in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), as shown below.
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance amortization expense | $ | 13 | $ | 14 | $ | 31 | $ | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other amortization expense | 1 | — | 1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 14 | $ | 14 | $ | 33 | $ | 27 |
The estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:
Amortization expense | Insurance Intangible Asset (1) (2) | Other Intangible Assets | Total | |||||||||||||||||
2021 (Six months) | $ | 19 | $ | 1 | $ | 20 | ||||||||||||||
2022 | 34 | 3 | 37 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | 31 | 3 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||
2024 | 28 | 3 | 31 | |||||||||||||||||
2025 | 26 | 3 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||
Thereafter | 205 | 22 | 228 |
(1)The insurance intangible asset will be amortized using a level-yield method based on par exposure of the related financial guarantee insurance or reinsurance contracts. Future amortization considers the use of contractual lives for many bond types which do not have homogeneous pools of underlying collateral. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations. If those obligations are retired early, amortization expense may differ in the period of call or refinancing. from the amounts provided in the table above.
(2)The weighted-average insurance intangible amortization and other intangible amortization periods are 7.4 years and 6.7 years, respectively.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 22 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC establishes a framework for measuring fair value and disclosures about fair value measurements.
Fair Value Hierarchy:
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC specifies a fair value hierarchy based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Company-based assumptions. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes model inputs into three broad levels as follows:
l | Level 1 | Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 include US Treasury and other foreign government obligations traded in highly liquid and transparent markets, certain highly liquid pooled fund investments, exchange traded futures contracts, variable rate demand obligations and money market funds. | |||||||||
l | Level 2 | Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 generally include investments in fixed maturity securities representing municipal, asset-backed and corporate obligations, certain interest rate swap contracts and most long-term debt of variable interest entities consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC. | |||||||||
l | Level 3 | Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 include credit derivative contracts, certain uncollateralized interest rate swap contracts, certain equity investments and certain investments in fixed maturity securities. Additionally, Level 3 assets and liabilities generally include loan receivables, and certain long-term debt of variable interest entities consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC. |
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC permits, as a practical expedient, the estimation of fair value of certain investments in funds using the net asset value per share of the investment or its equivalent (“NAV”). Investments in funds valued using NAV are not categorized as Level 1, 2 or 3 under the fair value hierarchy. The Investments — Equity Securities Topic of the ASC permits the measurement of certain equity securities without a readily determinable fair value at cost, less impairment, and adjusted to fair value when observable price changes in identical or similar investments from the same issuer occur (the "measurement alternative"). The fair values of investments measured under this measurement alternative are not included in the below disclosures of fair value of financial instruments. The following table sets forth the carrying amount and fair value of Ambac’s financial assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, including the level within the fair value hierarchy at which fair value measurements are categorized. As required by the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 23 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Carrying Amount | Total Fair Value | Fair Value Measurements Categorized as: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | $ | 358 | $ | 358 | $ | — | $ | 358 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations | 1,106 | 1,106 | 3 | 1,103 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations | 89 | 89 | 89 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 43 | 43 | 43 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 245 | 245 | — | 245 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations | 111 | 111 | — | 111 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | 301 | 301 | — | 221 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities, pledged as collateral: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 15 | 15 | 15 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 105 | 105 | 105 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short term investments | 416 | 416 | 329 | 87 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other investments (1) | 657 | 650 | 110 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 30 | 30 | 24 | 7 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—asset position | 82 | 82 | — | 7 | 75 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—liability position | (1) | (1) | — | (1) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other assets - equity in sponsored VIE | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other assets-Loans | 3 | 3 | — | — | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: Corporate obligations | 3,175 | 3,175 | — | — | 3,175 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: Municipal obligations | 140 | 140 | — | 140 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted cash | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans | 2,943 | 2,943 | — | — | 2,943 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: Currency swaps-asset position | 37 | 37 | — | 37 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total financial assets | $ | 9,858 | $ | 9,851 | $ | 720 | $ | 2,314 | $ | 6,276 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long term debt, including accrued interest | $ | 3,203 | $ | 3,040 | $ | — | $ | 3,018 | $ | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—asset position | (1) | (1) | — | (1) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—liability position | 98 | 98 | — | 98 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities for net financial guarantees written (2) | (781) | 186 | — | — | 186 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (includes $4,270 at fair value) | 4,434 | 4,472 | — | 4,299 | 173 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps—liability position | 1,800 | 1,800 | — | 1,800 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | 8,754 | $ | 9,597 | $ | — | $ | 9,215 | $ | 382 |
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 24 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Carrying Amount | Total Fair Value | Fair Value Measurements Categorized as: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020: | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | $ | 358 | $ | 358 | $ | — | $ | 358 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations | 1,077 | 1,077 | 4 | 1,073 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations | 98 | 98 | 98 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 106 | 106 | 106 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 302 | 302 | — | 302 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations | 74 | 74 | — | 74 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | 303 | 303 | — | 225 | 78 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities, pledged as collateral: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 15 | 15 | 15 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 125 | 125 | 125 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short term investments | 492 | 492 | 415 | 76 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other investments (1) | 595 | 597 | 91 | — | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 33 | 33 | 32 | 2 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—asset position | 93 | 93 | — | 9 | 85 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other assets - equity in sponsored VIE | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other assets-loans | 3 | 3 | — | — | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: Corporate obligations | 3,215 | 3,215 | — | — | 3,215 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: Municipal obligations | 139 | 139 | — | 139 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted cash | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans | 2,998 | 2,998 | — | — | 2,998 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: Currency swaps—asset position | 41 | 41 | — | 41 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total financial assets | $ | 10,071 | $ | 10,073 | $ | 888 | $ | 2,299 | $ | 6,433 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long term debt, including accrued interest | $ | 3,255 | $ | 3,071 | $ | — | $ | 2,670 | $ | 401 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—liability position | 114 | 114 | — | 114 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities for net financial guarantees written (2) | (740) | 539 | — | — | 539 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (includes $4,324 at fair value) | 4,493 | 4,504 | — | 4,349 | 155 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps—liability position | 1,835 | 1,835 | — | 1,835 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | 8,958 | $ | 10,063 | $ | — | $ | 8,968 | $ | 1,095 |
(1)Excluded from the fair value measurement categories in the table above are investment funds of $540 and $453 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which are measured using NAV as a practical expedient. Also excluded from the fair value measurements in the table above are equity securities with a carrying value of $8 and $— as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, that do not have readily determinable fair values and have carrying amounts determined using the measurement alternative.
(2)The carrying value of net financial guarantees written includes the following balance sheet items: Premium receivables; Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses; Deferred ceded premium; Subrogation recoverable; Insurance intangible asset; Unearned premiums; Loss and loss expense reserves; Ceded premiums payable, premiums taxes payable and other deferred fees recorded in Other liabilities.
Determination of Fair Value:
When available, Ambac uses quoted active market prices specific to the financial instrument to determine fair value, and classifies such items within Level 1. The determination of fair value for financial instruments categorized in Level 2 or 3 involves judgment due to the complexity of factors contributing to the valuation. Third-party sources from which we obtain independent market quotes also use assumptions, judgments and estimates in
determining financial instrument values and different third parties may use different methodologies or provide different values for financial instruments. In addition, the use of internal valuation models may require assumptions about hypothetical or inactive markets. As a result of these factors, the actual trade value of a financial instrument in the market, or exit value of a financial instrument position by Ambac, may be significantly different from its recorded fair value.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 25 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Ambac’s financial instruments carried at fair value are mainly comprised of investments in fixed maturity securities, equity interests in pooled investment funds, derivative instruments, certain variable interest entity assets and liabilities and interests in Ambac sponsored special purpose entities. Valuation of financial instruments is performed by Ambac’s finance group using methods approved by senior financial management with consultation from risk management and portfolio managers as appropriate. Preliminary valuation results are discussed with portfolio managers quarterly to assess consistency with market transactions and trends as applicable. Market transactions such as trades or negotiated settlements of similar positions, if any, are reviewed to validate fair value model results. However, many of the financial instruments valued using significant unobservable inputs have very little or no observable market activity. Methods and significant inputs and assumptions used to determine fair values across portfolios are reviewed quarterly by senior financial management. Other valuation control procedures specific to particular portfolios are described further below.
Fixed Maturity Securities:
The fair values of fixed maturity investment securities are based primarily on market prices received from broker quotes or alternative pricing sources. Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, pricing sources apply available market information through processes such as matrix pricing to calculate fair value. Such prices generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. In those cases, the items are classified within Level 2. For those fixed maturity investments where quotes were not available or cannot be reasonably corroborated, fair values are based on internal valuation models. Key inputs to the internal valuation models generally include maturity date, coupon and yield curves for asset-type and credit rating characteristics that closely match those characteristics of the specific investment securities being valued. Items valued using valuation models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable. Longer (shorter) expected maturities or higher (lower) yields used in the valuation model will, in isolation, result in decreases (increases) in fair value. Generally, lower credit ratings or longer expected maturities will be accompanied by higher yields used to value a security. At June 30, 2021, approximately 2%, 95% and 3% of the fixed maturity investment portfolio (excluding variable interest entity investments) was valued using broker quotes, alternative pricing sources and internal valuation models, respectively. At December 31, 2020, approximately 2%, 95% and 3% of the fixed maturity investment portfolio (excluding variable interest entity investments) was valued using broker quotes, alternative pricing sources and internal valuation models, respectively.
Ambac performs various review and validation procedures to quoted and modeled prices for fixed maturity securities, including price variance analyses, missing and static price reviews, overall valuation analysis by portfolio managers and finance managers and reviews associated with our ongoing impairment analysis. Unusual prices identified through these procedures will be evaluated further against alternative third party quotes (if available), internally modeled prices and/or other relevant data,
and the pricing source values will be challenged as necessary. Price challenges generally result in the use of the pricing source’s quote as originally provided or as revised by the source following their internal diligence process. A price challenge may result in a determination by either the pricing source or Ambac management that the pricing source cannot provide a reasonable value for a security or cannot adequately support a quote, in which case Ambac would resort to using either other quotes or internal models. Results of price challenges are reviewed by portfolio managers and finance managers.
Information about the valuation inputs for fixed maturity securities classified as Level 3 is included below:
Other asset-backed securities: This security is a subordinated tranche of a securitization collateralized by Ambac-insured military housing bonds. The fair value classified as Level 3 was $80 and $78 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow approach with expected future cash flows discounted using a yield consistent with the security type and rating. Significant inputs for the valuation at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include the following:
June 30, 2021: | |||||
a. Coupon rate: | 5.97% | ||||
b. Average Life: | 14.48 years | ||||
c. Yield: | 10.00% | ||||
December 31, 2020: | |||||
a. Coupon rate: | 5.97% | ||||
b. Average Life: | 14.83 years | ||||
c. Yield: | 10.50% |
Other Investments:
Other investments primarily relate to investments in pooled investment funds. The fair value of pooled investment funds is determined using dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources when such investments have readily determinable fair values. When fair value is not readily determinable, pooled investment funds are valued using NAV as a practical expedient as permitted under the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC. Refer to Note 9. Investments for additional information about such investments in pooled funds that are reported at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient.
At December 31, 2020, other investments also included Ambac's equity interest in the Corolla Trust, a non-consolidated VIE created in connection with Ambac's monetization of AAC junior surplus notes. This equity interest was carried under the equity method and its fair value was internally calculated using a market approach classified as Level 3. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on January 22, 2021, AAC completed the Corolla Note Exchange transaction whereby it acquired 100% of the outstanding obligations and the owner trust certificate of, and subsequently dissolved, the Corolla Trust.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 26 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Derivative Instruments:
Ambac’s derivative instruments primarily comprise interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and exchange traded futures contracts. Fair value is determined based upon market quotes from independent sources, when available. When independent quotes are not available, fair value is determined using valuation models. These valuation models require market-driven inputs, including contractual terms, credit spreads and ratings on underlying referenced obligations, yield curves and tax-exempt interest ratios. The valuation of certain derivative contracts also require the use of data inputs and assumptions that are determined by management and are not readily observable in the market. Under the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC, Ambac is required to consider its own credit risk when measuring the fair value of derivatives and other liabilities. Factors considered in estimating the amount of any Ambac credit valuation adjustment ("CVA") on such contracts include collateral posting provisions, right of set-off with the counterparty, the period of time remaining on the derivative and the pricing of recent terminations. The aggregate Ambac CVA impact reduced the fair value of derivative liabilities by less than a million dollars at both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
Interest rate swaps that are not centrally cleared are valued using vendor-developed models that incorporate interest rates and yield curves that are observable and regularly quoted. These models provide the net present value of the derivatives based on contractual terms and observable market data. Generally, the need for counterparty (or Ambac) CVAs on interest rate derivatives is mitigated by the existence of collateral posting agreements under which adequate collateral has been posted. Certain of these derivative contracts entered into with financial guarantee customers are not subject to collateral posting agreements. Counterparty credit risk related to such customer derivative assets is included in our determination of their fair value.
Ambac's credit derivatives ("CDS") are valued using an internal model that uses traditional financial guarantee CDS pricing to calculate the fair value of the derivative contract based on the reference obligation's current pricing, remaining life and credit rating and Ambac's own credit risk. The model calculates the difference between the present value of the projected fees receivable under the CDS and our estimate of the fees a financial guarantor of comparable credit quality would charge to provide the same protection at the balance sheet date. Unobservable inputs used include Ambac's internal reference obligation credit ratings and remaining life, estimates of fees that would be charged to assume the credit derivative obligation and Ambac's CVA. Ambac is party to only one remaining credit derivative with an internal credit rating of AA at June 30, 2021. Ambac has not made any significant changes to its modeling techniques or related model inputs for the periods presented.
Financial Guarantees:
Fair value of net financial guarantees written represents our estimate of the cost to Ambac to completely transfer its insurance obligation to another market participant of comparable credit worthiness. In theory, this amount should be the same amount that another market participant of comparable credit worthiness would hypothetically charge in the marketplace, on a present value basis, to provide the same protection as of the balance sheet date. This fair value estimate of financial guarantees is presented on a net basis and includes direct and assumed contracts written, net of ceded reinsurance contracts.
Long-term Debt:
Long-term debt includes AAC surplus notes and junior surplus notes (cancelled in January 2021 as part of the Corolla Note Exchange as described in Note 1. Background and Business Description), the LSNI Ambac Note (refinanced by the Sitka AAC Note on July 6, 2021 as described in Note 1. Background and Business Description), Tier 2 Notes issued in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions and the Ambac UK debt issued in connection with the Ballantyne commutation. The fair values of surplus notes, LSNI Ambac Note and Tier 2 Notes are classified as Level 2. The fair value of junior surplus notes and Ambac UK debt are classified as Level 3.
Other Financial Assets and Liabilities:
Included in Other assets are Loans and Ambac’s equity interest in an Ambac sponsored VIE established to provide certain financial guarantee clients with funding for their debt obligations. The fair values of these financial assets are estimated based upon internal valuation models and are classified as Level 3.
Variable Interest Entity Assets and Liabilities:
The financial assets and liabilities of FG VIEs consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC consist primarily of fixed maturity securities and loans held by the VIEs, derivative instruments and notes issued by the VIEs which are reported as long-term debt. As described in Note 3. Variable Interest Entities, these FG VIEs are securitization entities which have liabilities and/or assets guaranteed by AAC or Ambac UK.
The fair values of FG VIE long-term debt are based on price quotes received from independent market sources when available. Such quotes are considered Level 2 and generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. For those instruments where quotes were not available or cannot be reasonably corroborated, fair values are based on internal valuation models. Comparable to the sensitivities of investments in fixed maturity securities described above, longer (shorter) expected maturities or higher (lower) yields used in the valuation model will, in isolation, result in decreases (increases) in fair value liability measurement for FG VIE long-term debt.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 27 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
FG VIE derivative asset and liability fair values are determined using vendor-developed valuation models, which incorporated observable market data related to specific derivative contractual terms including interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves.
The fair value of FG VIE fixed maturity securities and loan assets are generally based on Level 2 market price quotes received from independent market sources when available. Typically, FG VIE asset fair values are not readily available from market quotes and are estimated internally. Internal valuation of each FG VIE’s fixed maturity securities or loan assets are derived from the fair values of the notes issued by the respective VIE and the VIE’s derivatives, determined as described above, adjusted for the fair values of Ambac’s financial guarantees associated with the VIE. The fair value of financial guarantees consist of: (i) estimated future premium cash flows discounted at a rate consistent with that implicit in the fair value of the VIE’s liabilities and (ii) estimates of future claim payments discounted at a rate that includes Ambac’s own credit risk. Estimated future premium payments to be paid by the VIEs were discounted at a weighted average rate of 2.6% and 2.4% at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. At June 30, 2021, the range of these discount rates was between 2.2% and 3.3%.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 28 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Additional Fair Value Information for Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value:
The following tables present the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the periods presented in 2021 and 2020. Ambac classifies financial instruments in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when there is reliance on at least one significant unobservable input to the valuation model. In addition to these unobservable inputs, the valuation models for Level 3 financial instruments typically also rely on a number of inputs that are readily observable either directly or indirectly. Thus, the gains and losses presented below include changes in the fair value related to both observable and unobservable inputs.
Level 3 - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
VIE Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments(1) | Other Assets(2) | Derivatives | Investments | Loans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 76 | $ | 1 | $ | 65 | $ | 3,103 | $ | 2,948 | $ | 6,194 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | — | — | 11 | 87 | 65 | 164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | 4 | — | — | 5 | 5 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | — | (1) | (2) | (19) | (76) | (98) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 80 | $ | — | $ | 74 | $ | 3,175 | $ | 2,943 | $ | 6,273 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 87 | $ | 65 | $ | 164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | 4 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 5 | $ | 5 | $ | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 66 | $ | 3 | $ | 77 | $ | 2,806 | $ | 2,932 | $ | 5,884 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | — | — | 11 | 128 | (67) | 72 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | — | — | — | (11) | (11) | (22) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | — | — | (2) | (17) | (67) | (86) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 66 | $ | 2 | $ | 86 | $ | 2,907 | $ | 2,787 | $ | 5,848 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 10 | $ | 128 | $ | (67) | $ | 71 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (11) | $ | (11) | $ | (22) |
(1) Investments classified as Level 3 consist of a single other asset-backed security.
(2) Other assets carried at fair value and classified as Level 3 relate to an equity interest in an Ambac sponsored VIE.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 29 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Level 3 - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
VIE Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments | Other Assets | Derivatives | Investments | Loans | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 78 | $ | 1 | $ | 84 | $ | 3,215 | $ | 2,998 | $ | 6,376 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | 1 | — | (6) | (50) | 74 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | 3 | — | — | 31 | 30 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (1) | (1) | (4) | (19) | (160) | (185) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 80 | $ | — | $ | 74 | $ | 3,175 | $ | 2,943 | $ | 6,273 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | 1 | $ | — | $ | (6) | $ | (50) | $ | 74 | $ | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | 3 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 31 | $ | 30 | $ | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 72 | $ | 3 | $ | 66 | $ | 2,957 | $ | 3,108 | $ | 6,207 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | 1 | (1) | 23 | 158 | 20 | 201 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | (6) | — | — | (192) | (201) | (398) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (1) | — | (3) | (17) | (141) | (162) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 66 | $ | 2 | $ | 86 | $ | 2,907 | $ | 2,787 | $ | 5,848 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | 23 | $ | 158 | $ | 20 | $ | 201 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | (6) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (192) | $ | (201) | (398) |
The table below provides roll-forward information by class of derivatives measured using significant unobservable inputs.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 30 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Level 3 - Derivatives by Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | Credit Derivatives | Total Derivatives | Interest Rate Swaps | Credit Derivatives | Total Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 66 | $ | — | $ | 65 | $ | 79 | $ | (2) | $ | 77 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | 11 | — | 11 | 10 | 1 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (2) | — | (2) | (2) | — | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 75 | $ | — | $ | 74 | $ | 87 | $ | (1) | $ | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | 11 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 10 | $ | 1 | $ | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 3 - Derivatives by Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | Credit Derivatives | Total Derivatives | Interest Rate Swaps | Credit Derivatives | Total Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 85 | $ | — | $ | 84 | $ | 67 | $ | — | $ | 66 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | (6) | — | (6) | 23 | (1) | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (4) | — | (4) | (3) | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 75 | $ | — | $ | 74 | $ | 87 | $ | (1) | $ | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | (6) | $ | — | $ | (6) | $ | 23 | $ | (1) | $ | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — |
Invested assets and VIE long-term debt are transferred into Level 3 when internal valuation models that include significant unobservable inputs are used to estimate fair value. All such securities that have internally modeled fair values have been classified as Level 3. Derivative instruments are transferred into Level 3 when the use of unobservable inputs becomes significant to the overall valuation. There were no transfers of financial instruments into or out of Level 3 in the periods disclosed.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 31 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities included in earnings for the affected periods are reported as follows:
Net Investment Income | Net Gains (Losses) on Derivative Contracts | Income (Loss) on Variable Interest Entities | Other Income or (Expense) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains (losses) included in earnings for the period | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 152 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to financial instruments still held at the reporting date | — | 11 | 152 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains (losses) included in earnings for the period | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 61 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to financial instruments still held at the reporting date | — | 10 | 61 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains or losses included in earnings for the period | $ | 1 | $ | (6) | $ | 24 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Changes in unrealized gains or losses included in earnings relating to the assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | — | (6) | 24 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains or losses included in earnings for the period | 1 | 23 | 179 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in unrealized gains or losses included in earnings relating to the assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | — | 22 | 179 | (1) |
9. INVESTMENTS
Ambac’s non-VIE invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale and interests in pooled investment funds, which are reported within Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interests in pooled investment funds in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock are classified as trading securities, while limited partner interests in such funds are reported using the equity method. Other investments also included equity interests held by AFG, including the equity Certificates in Corolla Trust, an unconsolidated trust created in connection with its sale of Segregated Account junior surplus notes on August 28, 2014. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on January 22, 2021, AAC completed the Corolla
Note Exchange transaction whereby it acquired 100% of the outstanding obligations and the Certificates of, and subsequently dissolved, the Corolla Trust.
Disclosures in this Note for the periods ended June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, are in accordance with the new CECL standard adopted January 1, 2020, which is more fully described in Note 2, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020,
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 32 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Fixed Maturity Securities:
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments, excluding VIE investments, at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were as follows:
Amortized Cost | Allowance for Credit Losses | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | $ | 325 | $ | — | $ | 33 | $ | — | $ | 358 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations (1) | 1,096 | — | 16 | 6 | 1,106 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations | 90 | — | — | 1 | 89 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 43 | — | 1 | 1 | 43 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 190 | — | 55 | — | 245 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations | 111 | — | — | — | 111 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities (2) | 260 | — | 42 | — | 301 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,114 | — | 147 | 8 | 2,253 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 416 | — | — | — | 416 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,531 | — | 147 | 8 | 2,669 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 15 | — | — | — | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 105 | — | — | — | 105 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
120 | — | — | — | 120 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total available-for-sale investments | $ | 2,651 | $ | — | $ | 147 | $ | 8 | $ | 2,789 |
December 31, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | $ | 321 | $ | — | $ | 37 | $ | — | $ | 358 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations (1) | 1,059 | — | 24 | 6 | 1,077 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations | 97 | — | 1 | — | 98 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 105 | — | 2 | 1 | 106 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 256 | — | 46 | — | 302 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations | 74 | — | — | — | 74 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities (2) | 263 | — | 40 | — | 303 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,175 | — | 149 | 8 | 2,317 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 492 | — | — | — | 492 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,667 | — | 149 | 8 | 2,809 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 15 | — | — | — | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 125 | — | — | — | 125 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
140 | — | — | — | 140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total available-for-sale investments | $ | 2,807 | $ | — | $ | 149 | $ | 8 | $ | 2,949 |
(1)Includes Ambac's holdings of the LSNI Secured Notes issued in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions.
(2)Consists primarily of Ambac's holdings of military housing and student loan securities.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 33 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments, excluding VIE investments, at June 30, 2021, by contractual maturity, were as follows:
Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 581 | $ | 581 | ||||||||||
Due after one year through five years | 906 | 913 | ||||||||||||
Due after five years through ten years | 434 | 445 | ||||||||||||
Due after ten years | 169 | 194 | ||||||||||||
2,090 | 2,133 | |||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 190 | 245 | ||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations | 111 | 111 | ||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | 260 | 301 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,651 | $ | 2,789 |
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Unrealized Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities:
The following table shows gross unrealized losses and fair values of Ambac’s available-for-sale investments, excluding VIE investments, which at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, did not have an allowance for credit losses under the CECL standard. This information is aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or More | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | $ | 11 | $ | — | $ | 4 | $ | — | $ | 15 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations | 250 | 6 | — | — | 250 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations | 65 | 1 | — | — | 65 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 36 | 1 | — | — | 36 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations | 33 | — | 9 | — | 42 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
396 | 8 | 15 | — | 411 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 113 | — | 2 | — | 116 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total securities | $ | 509 | $ | 8 | $ | 18 | $ | — | $ | 526 | $ | 8 |
December 31, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | $ | 25 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 31 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations | 543 | 6 | — | — | 543 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations | 3 | — | — | — | 3 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations | 17 | 1 | — | — | 17 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 14 | — | — | — | 14 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations | 27 | — | 15 | — | 42 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | — | — | 4 | — | 4 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
629 | 7 | 25 | — | 654 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | 187 | — | — | — | 187 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total securities | $ | 816 | $ | 7 | $ | 25 | $ | — | $ | 841 | $ | 8 |
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 34 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Management has determined that the securities in the above table do not have credit impairment as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, based upon (i) no actual or expected principal and interest payment defaults on these securities; (ii) analysis of the creditworthiness of the issuer and financial guarantor, as applicable, and (iii) for debt securities that are non-highly rated beneficial interests in securitized financial assets, analysis of whether there was an adverse change in projected cash flows. Management's evaluation as of June 30, 2021, includes the expectation that all principal and interest payments on securities guaranteed by AAC or Ambac UK will be made timely and in full.
Ambac’s assessment about whether a security is credit impaired reflects management’s current judgment regarding facts and circumstances specific to the security and other factors. If that judgment changes, Ambac may record a charge for credit impairment in future periods.
Realized Gains and Losses including Impairments:
The following table details amounts included in net realized gains (losses) and impairments included in earnings for the affected periods:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross realized gains on securities | $ | 2 | $ | 20 | $ | 9 | $ | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gross realized losses on securities | (1) | (11) | (2) | (11) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (losses) gains | (2) | 1 | (6) | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit impairments | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Intent / requirement to sell impairments | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains (losses) | $ | (2) | $ | 10 | $ | 1 | $ | 18 |
Ambac had zero allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2021 and 2020.
Ambac did not purchase any financial assets with credit deterioration for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.
Counterparty Collateral, Deposits with Regulators and Other Restrictions:
Ambac routinely pledges and receives collateral related to certain transactions. Securities held directly in Ambac’s investment portfolio with a fair value of $120 and $140 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were pledged to derivative counterparties. Ambac’s derivative counterparties have the right to re-pledge the investment securities and as such, these pledged securities are separately classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral, at fair value” and "Short-term investments pledged as collateral, at fair value.". Refer to Note 10. Derivative Instruments for further information on cash collateral. There was no cash or securities received from other counterparties that were re-pledged by Ambac.
Securities carried at $8 and $8 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were deposited by Ambac's insurance subsidiaries with governmental authorities or designated custodian banks as required by laws affecting insurance companies. Invested assets carried at $1 and $1 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were deposited as security in connection with a letter of credit issued for an office lease.
Securities with a fair value of $169 and $178 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were pledged as collateral and as sources of funding to repay the LSNI Ambac Note. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on July 6, 2021, the LSNI Ambac Note was fully redeemed and therefore these securities will no longer be pledged.
AAC also pledged for the benefit of the holders of LSNI Secured Notes (other than AAC) the proceeds of interest payments and partial redemptions of the LSNI Secured Notes held by AAC. The amount of such proceeds held by AAC was $11 and $9 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and is included in Restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on July 6, 2021, the LSNI Secured Notes were fully redeemed.
Guaranteed Securities:
Ambac’s fixed maturity portfolio includes securities covered by guarantees issued by AAC and other financial guarantors (“insured securities”). The published rating agency ratings on these securities reflect the higher of the financial strength rating of the financial guarantor or the rating of the underlying issuer. Rating agencies do not always publish separate underlying ratings (those ratings excluding the insurance by the financial guarantor). In the event these underlying ratings are not available from the rating agencies, Ambac will assign an internal rating. The following table represents the fair value and weighted-average underlying rating of insured securities in Ambac's investment portfolio at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively:
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 35 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Municipal Obligations | Corporate Obligations (2) | Mortgage and Asset- backed Securities | Total | Weighted Average Underlying Rating (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ambac Assurance Corporation | $ | 320 | $ | 463 | $ | 466 | $ | 1,249 | CCC+ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation | 4 | — | — | 4 | BBB- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation | 1 | — | — | 1 | C | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 325 | $ | 463 | $ | 466 | $ | 1,254 | CCC+ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ambac Assurance Corporation | $ | 320 | $ | 465 | $ | 481 | $ | 1,266 | CCC+ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation | 6 | — | — | 6 | BBB- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation | 1 | — | — | 1 | C | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 327 | $ | 465 | $ | 481 | $ | 1,273 | CCC+ |
(1)Ratings are based on the lower of Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s rating. If unavailable, Ambac’s internal rating is used.
(2)Represents Ambac's holdings of LSNI Secured Notes issued in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions. These secured notes were insured by AAC. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on July 6, 2021, the LSNI Secured Notes were fully redeemed.
Other Investments:
Ambac's investment portfolio includes interests in various pooled investment funds. Fair value and additional information about investments in pooled funds, by investment type, is summarized in the table below. Except as noted in the table, fair value as reported is determined using net asset value ("NAV") as a practical expedient. Redemption of certain funds valued using NAV may be subject to withdrawal limitations and/or redemption fees which vary with the timing and notification of withdrawal provided by the investor. In addition to these investments, Ambac has unfunded commitments of $95 to private credit and private equity funds at June 30, 2021.
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class of Funds | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | Redemption Frequency | Redemption Notice Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate properties (1) | $ | 25 | $ | 16 | quarterly | 10 business days | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hedge funds (2) | 219 | 196 | quarterly or semi-annually | 90 days | ||||||||||||||||||||||
High yields and leveraged loans (3) (10) | 78 | 78 | daily | 0 - 30 days | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Private credit (4) | 71 | 65 | quarterly if permitted | 180 days if permitted | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance-linked investments (5) | 2 | 3 | see footnote (5) | see footnote (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity market investments (6) (10) | 86 | 73 | daily or quarterly | 0 - 90 days | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment grade floating rate income (7) | 108 | 73 | weekly | 0 days | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Private equity (8) | 20 | 13 | quarterly if permitted | 90 days if permitted | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Emerging markets debt (9) (10) | 40 | 25 | daily | 0 days | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity investments in pooled funds | $ | 650 | $ | 543 |
(1)Investments consist of UK property to generate income and capital growth.
(2)This class seeks to generate superior risk-adjusted returns through selective asset sourcing, active trading and hedging strategies across a range of asset types.
(3)This class of funds includes investments in a range of instruments including high-yield bonds, leveraged loans, CLOs, ABS and floating rate notes to generate income and capital appreciation.
(4)This class aims to obtain high long-term returns primarily through credit and preferred equity investments with low liquidity and defined term.
(5)This class seeks to generate returns from insurance markets through investments in catastrophe bonds, life insurance and other insurance linked investments. This investment is restricted in connection with the unwind of certain insurance linked exposures. Ambac has redeemed its investment to the extent permitted by the fund.
(6)This class of funds aim to achieve long term growth through diversified exposure to global equity-markets.
(7)This class of funds includes investments in high quality floating rate debt securities including ABS and corporate floating rate notes.
(8)This class seeks to generate long-term capital appreciation through investments in private equity, equity-related and other instruments.
(9)This class seeks long-term income and growth through investments in the bonds of issuers in emerging markets.
(10)These categories include fair value amounts totaling $110 and $89 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, that are readily determinable and are priced through pricing vendors, including for High yield and leveraged loans products: $0 and $3; for Equity market investments: $70 and $60; and for Emerging markets debt $40 and $25.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 36 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Ambac held minority preferred equity investments with a carrying value of $8 and $— as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, that do not have readily determinable fair values and are carried at cost, less any impairments as permitted under the Investments — Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. There were no impairments recorded on these investments or adjustments to fair value to reflect observable price changes in identical or similar investments from the same issuer during the periods presented.
Ambac held direct equity interests as of December 31, 2020, including in an unconsolidated trust created in connection with the 2014 sale of Segregated Account junior surplus notes, which was accounted for under the equity method.
Investment Income (Loss):
Net investment income (loss) was comprised of the following for the affected periods:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities | $ | 23 | $ | 26 | $ | 46 | $ | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | — | 1 | — | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment expense | (1) | (1) | (3) | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities available-for-sale and short-term | 22 | 26 | 44 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other investments | 20 | 27 | 47 | (25) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total net investment income (loss) | $ | 42 | $ | 52 | $ | 91 | $ | 31 |
Net investment income (loss) from Other investments primarily represents changes in fair value on equity securities, including certain pooled investment funds, and income from investment limited partnerships and other equity interests accounted for under the equity method.
The portion of net unrealized gains (losses) related to securities classified as trading and equity securities, excluding those
reported using the equity method, still held at the end of each period is as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities | $ | 9 | $ | 17 | $ | 16 | $ | (16) | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: net gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on equity securities sold during the period | 1 | 5 | 1 | (19) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date | $ | 8 | $ | 12 | $ | 15 | $ | 4 |
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 37 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
10. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The following tables summarize the gross fair values of individual derivative instruments and the impact of legal rights of offset as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / Liabilities | Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet | Net Amounts of Assets/ Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet | Gross Amount of Collateral Received / Pledged Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet | Net Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | 82 | $ | 1 | $ | 82 | $ | — | $ | 82 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total non-VIE derivative assets | $ | 82 | $ | 1 | $ | 82 | $ | — | $ | 82 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | 98 | 1 | 98 | 97 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total non-VIE derivative liabilities | $ | 99 | $ | 1 | $ | 98 | $ | 97 | $ | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Variable Interest Entities Derivative Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currency swaps | $ | 37 | $ | — | $ | 37 | $ | — | $ | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total VIE derivative assets | $ | 37 | $ | — | $ | 37 | $ | — | $ | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||
Variable Interest Entities Derivative Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | 1,800 | $ | — | $ | 1,800 | $ | — | $ | 1,800 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total VIE derivative liabilities | $ | 1,800 | $ | — | $ | 1,800 | $ | — | $ | 1,800 |
December 31, 2020: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | 93 | $ | — | $ | 93 | $ | — | $ | 93 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total non-VIE derivative assets | $ | 93 | $ | — | $ | 93 | $ | — | $ | 93 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | 114 | — | 114 | 113 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total non-VIE derivative liabilities | $ | 114 | $ | — | $ | 114 | $ | 113 | $ | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Variable Interest Entities Derivative Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currency swaps | $ | 41 | $ | — | $ | 41 | $ | — | $ | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total VIE derivative assets | $ | 41 | $ | — | $ | 41 | $ | — | $ | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||
Variable Interest Entities Derivative Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | 1,835 | $ | — | $ | 1,835 | $ | — | $ | 1,835 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total VIE derivative liabilities | $ | 1,835 | $ | — | $ | 1,835 | $ | — | $ | 1,835 |
Amounts representing the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral are not offset against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments on the Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amounts representing the right to reclaim cash collateral and posted margin, recorded in “Other assets” were $14 and $1 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. There were no amounts held representing an obligation to return cash collateral as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 38 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables summarize the location and amount of gains and losses of derivative contracts in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-VIE derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives | Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts | $ | — | $ | 1 | $ | — | $ | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts | (7) | 2 | 10 | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Futures contracts | Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts | (5) | (1) | 4 | (41) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Non-VIE derivatives | $ | (11) | $ | 2 | 14 | (68) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable Interest Entities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currency swaps | Income (loss) on variable interest entities | $ | (1) | $ | 1 | (3) | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Income (loss) on variable interest entities | (60) | (106) | 37 | (173) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Variable Interest Entities | (61) | (105) | 35 | (156) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total derivative contracts | $ | (72) | $ | (103) | $ | 49 | $ | (224) |
Credit Derivatives:
Credit derivatives, which are privately negotiated contracts, provide the counterparty with credit protection against the occurrence of a specific event such as a payment default or bankruptcy relating to an underlying obligation. Credit derivatives issued are insured by AAC. The outstanding credit derivative transaction at June 30, 2021, does not include ratings-based collateral-posting triggers or otherwise require Ambac to post collateral regardless of Ambac’s ratings or the size of the mark to market exposure to Ambac.
Our credit derivatives were written on a “pay-as-you-go” basis. Similar to an insurance policy, pay-as-you-go provides that Ambac pays interest shortfalls on the referenced transaction as they are incurred on each scheduled payment date, but only pays principal shortfalls upon the earlier of (i) the date on which the assets designated to fund the referenced obligation have been disposed of and (ii) the legal final maturity date of the referenced obligation.
Ambac maintains internal credit ratings on its guaranteed obligations, including credit derivative contracts, solely to indicate management’s view of the underlying credit quality of the guaranteed obligations. The principal notional outstanding for credit derivative contracts was $249 and $257 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, all of which had internal Ambac ratings of AA in both periods.
Interest Rate Derivatives:
Ambac, through its subsidiary Ambac Financial Services (“AFS”), uses interest rate swaps, US Treasury futures contracts and other derivatives, to provide a partial economic hedge against the effects of rising interest rates elsewhere in the Company, including on Ambac’s financial guarantee exposures. Additionally, AFS provided interest rate swaps to states, municipalities and their authorities, asset-backed issuers and other entities in connection with their financings. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the notional amounts of AFS’s derivatives are as follows:
Notional | ||||||||||||||
Type of Derivative | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—pay-fixed/receive-variable | $ | 1,584 | $ | 726 | ||||||||||
US Treasury futures contracts—short | 470 | 240 | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—receive-fixed/pay-variable | 190 | 195 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives of Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Certain VIEs consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC entered into derivative contracts to meet specified purposes within the securitization structure. The notional for VIE derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were as follows:
Notional | ||||||||||||||
Type of VIE Derivative | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—receive-fixed/pay-variable | $ | 1,245 | $ | 1,233 | ||||||||||
Interest rate swaps—pay-fixed/receive-variable | 1,127 | 1,151 | ||||||||||||
Currency swaps | 294 | 308 | ||||||||||||
Contingent Features in Derivatives Related to Ambac Credit Risk
Ambac’s over-the-counter interest rate swaps are centrally cleared when eligible. Certain interest rate swaps remain with professional swap-dealer counterparties and direct customer counterparties. These non-cleared swaps are generally executed under standardized derivative documents including collateral support and master netting agreements. Under these agreements, Ambac is required to post collateral in the event net unrealized losses exceed predetermined threshold levels. Additionally, given that AAC is no longer rated by an independent rating agency, counterparties have the right to terminate the swap positions.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 39 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the net liability fair value of derivative instruments with contingent features linked to Ambac’s own credit risk was $97 and $113, respectively, related to which Ambac had posted cash and securities as collateral with a fair value of $113 and $130, respectively. All such ratings-based contingent features have been triggered requiring maximum collateral levels to be posted by Ambac while preserving counterparties’ rights to terminate the contracts. Assuming all such contracts terminated at fair value on June 30, 2021, settlement of collateral balances and net derivative liabilities would result in a net receipt of cash and/or securities by Ambac. If counterparties elect to exercise their right to terminate, the actual termination payment amounts will be determined in accordance with derivative contract terms, which may result in amounts that differ from market values as reported in Ambac’s financial statements.
11. INCOME TAXES
AFG files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. AFG and its subsidiaries also file separate or combined income tax returns in various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. The following are the major jurisdictions in which Ambac and its subsidiaries operate and the earliest tax years subject to examination:
Jurisdiction | Tax Year | ||||
United States | 2010 | ||||
New York State | 2013 | ||||
New York City | 2017 | ||||
United Kingdom | 2017 | ||||
Italy | 2016 |
In accordance with the Income Tax Topic of the ASC, a valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. As a result of the risks and uncertainties associated with future operating results, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not generate sufficient U.S. federal, state and/or local taxable income to recover its deferred tax operating assets and therefore maintains a full valuation allowance.
Consolidated Pretax Income (Loss)
U.S. and foreign components of pre-tax income (loss) were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | $ | (27) | $ | (50) | $ | (10) | $ | (306) | |||||||||||||||
Foreign | 10 | 17 | 12 | (13) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | (18) | $ | (33) | $ | 1 | $ | (320) |
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U. S. federal | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
U.S. state and local | — | — | 2 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Current taxes | 2 | 3 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign | 9 | (1) | 6 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Deferred taxes | 9 | (1) | 6 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | $ | 11 | $ | 2 | $ | 13 | $ | (4) |
In the quarter ending June 30, 2021, $6 of deferred tax expense was recorded for enactment of an increase in UK tax rates from 19% to 25%, effective April 1, 2023, on Ambac's UK deferred tax liability.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The following commitments and contingencies provide an update of those discussed in Note 17: Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and should be read in conjunction with the complete descriptions provided in the aforementioned Form 10-K.
Litigation Against Ambac
Monterey Bay Military Housing, LLC, et al. v. Ambac Assurance Corporation, et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Jose Division, Case No. 17-cv-04992-BLF, filed August 28, 2017). Plaintiffs, the corporate developers of various military housing projects, filed a second amended complaint on December 17, 2018, against AAC, a former employee of AAC, and certain unaffiliated persons and entities, asserting claims for (i) violation of 18 U.S.C §§ 1962(c) and 1962(d) (civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) and conspiracy to commit civil RICO), (ii) breach of fiduciary duty, (iii) aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, (iv) fraudulent misrepresentation, (v) fraudulent concealment and (vi) conspiracy to commit fraud. On September 26, 2019, the court issued a decision denying a motion to dismiss filed by defendants and sua sponte reconsidering its previous denial of defendants’ motion to transfer venue to the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”). On October 10, 2019, after the case was transferred to the SDNY, the defendants filed motions in the SDNY to vacate or reconsider the decision by the Northern District of California on the defendants’ motion to dismiss. On March 31, 2021, the court granted defendants’ motions for reconsideration and, upon reconsideration, dismissed the claims
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 40 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
against AAC and its former employee for breach of fiduciary duty and for aiding and abetting breach of AAC’s or its former employee’s fiduciary duty; dismissed two plaintiffs’ RICO claims against AAC and its former employee; and in all other respects denied defendants’ motions. Defendants served answers to the second amended complaint on April 21, 2021, asserting several affirmative defenses, including a defense for unclean hands focused on the plaintiffs’ failure to maintain the project properties and falsification of maintenance records. On May 24, 2021, plaintiffs moved to strike defendants’ unclean hands defenses. Defendants have filed oppositions to plaintiffs’ motion to strike, which has been referred to Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave for a Report and Recommendation.
Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico v. Ambac Assurance Corp., et al. (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 20-ap-00003, filed Jan. 16, 2020). Pursuant to an order of the District Court setting out an agreed schedule for litigation submitted by the team of mediators designated in the Commonwealth’s restructuring cases (the “Mediation Team“), on January 16, 2020, the Oversight Board filed an adversary proceeding against monoline insurers insuring bonds issued by the Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority (“PRIFA”) and the PRIFA bond trustee, all of which defendants filed proofs of claim against the Commonwealth relating to PRIFA bonds. The complaint seeks to disallow defendants’ proofs of claim against the Commonwealth in their entirety, including for lack of secured status. Oral argument on the Oversight Board’s motion for summary judgment was held on September 23, 2020. On January 20, 2021, the District Court granted defendants’ request for deferral of the adjudication of the summary judgment motion until defendants have the opportunity to conduct certain discovery. On May 5, 2021, monoline defendants Assured Guaranty Corporation, Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation, and National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (“Assured and National”) announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the treatment of bonds issued by the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority ("PRHTA") and the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority (“PRCCDA”) (the “PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement”). On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay this case with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (“FGIC”) objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered this case stayed with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. Discovery was deemed concluded on June 11, 2021. On July 14, 2021, AAC and FGIC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board with respect to the treatment of bonds issued by the Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority ("PRIFA") (the “PRIFA Settlement”), and as a result of that settlement, also joined the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board, AAC, FGIC, and the PRIFA bond trustee jointly moved to stay this case as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this case be stayed.
Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico v. Ambac Assurance Corp., et al. (United States District Court,
District of Puerto Rico, No. 20-ap-00004, filed Jan. 16, 2020). Pursuant to an order of the District Court setting out an agreed schedule for litigation submitted by the Mediation Team, on January 16, 2020, the Oversight Board filed an adversary proceeding against monoline insurers insuring bonds issued by PRCCDA and the PRCCDA bond trustee, all of which defendants filed proofs of claim against the Commonwealth relating to PRCCDA bonds. The complaint seeks to disallow defendants’ proofs of claim against the Commonwealth in their entirety, including for lack of secured status. Oral argument on the Oversight Board’s motion for summary judgment was held on September 23, 2020. On January 20, 2021, the District Court granted defendants’ request for deferral of the adjudication of the summary judgment motion until defendants have the opportunity to conduct certain discovery. On May 5, 2021, Assured and National announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay this case with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and FGIC objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered this case stayed with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. Discovery was deemed concluded on June 11, 2021. On July 14, 2021, AAC and FGIC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRIFA Settlement. On August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board, AAC, FGIC, and the PRCCDA bond trustee jointly moved to stay this case as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this case be stayed.
Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico v. Ambac Assurance Corp., et al. (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 20-ap-00005, filed Jan. 16, 2020). Pursuant to an order of the District Court setting out an agreed schedule for litigation submitted by the Mediation Team, on January 16, 2020, the Oversight Board filed an adversary proceeding against monoline insurers insuring bonds issued by PRHTA, certain PRHTA bondholders, and the PRHTA fiscal agent for bondholders, all of which defendants filed proofs of claim against the Commonwealth relating to PRHTA bonds. The complaint seeks to disallow defendants’ proofs of claim against the Commonwealth in their entirety, including for lack of secured status. Oral argument on the Oversight Board’s motion for summary judgment was held on September 23, 2020. On January 20, 2021, the District Court granted defendants’ request for deferral of the adjudication of the summary judgment motion until defendants have the opportunity to conduct certain discovery. On May 5, 2021, Assured and National announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay this case with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and FGIC objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered this case stayed with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On July 14, 2021, AAC and FGIC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRIFA Settlement. On August 2, 2021, the
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 41 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Oversight Board, AAC, FGIC, and the PRHTA fiscal agent jointly moved to stay this case as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this case be stayed.
Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico v. Ambac Assurance Corp., et al. (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 20-ap-00007, filed Jan. 16, 2020). Pursuant to an order of the District Court setting out an agreed schedule for litigation submitted by the Mediation Team, on January 16, 2020, the Oversight Board and the Committee filed an adversary proceeding against monoline insurers insuring bonds issued by PRHTA, certain PRHTA bondholders, and the PRHTA fiscal agent for bondholders, all of which defendants filed proofs of claim against PRHTA relating to PRHTA bonds. The complaint seeks to disallow portions of defendants’ proofs of claim against the PRHTA, including for lack of secured status. On March 10, 2020, the District Court stayed this case. On May 5, 2021, Assured and National announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay this case with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and FGIC objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered this case stayed with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On July 14, 2021, AAC and FGIC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRIFA Settlement. On August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board, AAC, FGIC, and the PRHTA fiscal agent jointly moved to stay this case as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this case be stayed.
AmeriNational Community Services, LLC, et al. v. Ambac Assurance Corporation, et al. (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 21-ap-00068, filed June 26, 2021). On June 26, 2021, AmeriNational Community Services, LLC, and Cantor-Katz Collateral Monitor LLC, as servicer and collateral monitor (respectively) for the GDB Debt Recovery Authority (the “DRA”), filed an adversary proceeding against AAC and other monoline insurers of PRHTA bonds, holders of, PRHTA bonds, and the PRHTA bond trustee. The complaint seeks declaratory judgments regarding the DRA’s rights with respect to certain revenues pledged as collateral for PRHTA bonds, and asserts that DRA is the only party with a right to collect from and a security interest in certain such revenues. Answers or motions to dismiss the complaint are due on August 26, 2021.
NC Residuals Owners Trust, et al. v. Wilmington Trust Co., et al. (Delaware Court of Chancery, C.A. No. 2019-0880, filed Nov. 1, 2019). Trial on the unresolved contractual interpretation issues has been scheduled for July 25–29, 2022.
AAC’s estimates of projected losses for RMBS transactions consider, among other things, the RMBS transactions’ payment waterfall structure, including the application of interest and principal payments and recoveries, and depend in part on our interpretations of contracts and other bases of our legal rights. From time to time, bond trustees and other transaction participants have employed different contractual interpretations
and have commenced, or threatened to commence, litigation to resolve these differences. It is not possible to predict whether additional disputes will arise, nor the outcomes of any potential litigation. It is possible that there could be unfavorable outcomes in this or other disputes or proceedings and that our interpretations may prove to be incorrect, which could lead to changes to our estimate of loss reserves.
AAC has periodically received various regulatory inquiries and requests for information with respect to investigations and inquiries that such regulators are conducting. AAC has complied with all such inquiries and requests for information.
The Company is involved from time to time in various routine legal proceedings, including proceedings related to litigation with present or former employees. Although the Company’s litigation with present or former employees is routine and incidental to the conduct of its business, such litigation can result in large monetary awards when a civil jury is allowed to determine compensatory and/or punitive damages for, among other things, termination of employment that is wrongful or in violation of implied contracts.
From time to time, Ambac is subject to allegations concerning its corporate governance that may lead to litigation, including derivative litigation, and while the monetary impacts may not be material, the matters may distract management and the Board of Directors from their principal focus on Ambac's business, strategy and objectives.
It is not reasonably possible to predict whether additional suits will be filed or whether additional inquiries or requests for information will be made, and it is also not possible to predict the outcome of litigation, inquiries or requests for information. It is possible that there could be unfavorable outcomes in these or other proceedings. Legal accruals for litigation against the Company which are probable and reasonably estimable, and management's estimated range of loss for such matters, are either not applicable or are not material to the operating results or financial position of the Company. For the litigation matters the Company is defending that do not meet the “probable and reasonably estimable” accrual threshold and where no loss estimates have been provided above, management is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from unfavorable outcomes. Under some circumstances, adverse results in any such proceedings could be material to our business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows. The Company believes that it has substantial defenses to the claims above and, to the extent that these actions proceed, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously; however, the Company is not able to predict the outcomes of these actions.
Litigation Filed or Joined by Ambac
In the ordinary course of their businesses, certain of Ambac’s subsidiaries assert claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses already paid and/or mitigate future losses. The amounts recovered and/or losses avoided which may result from these proceedings is uncertain, although recoveries and/or losses avoided in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to Ambac’s results of operations in that quarter or fiscal year.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 42 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Puerto Rico
In re Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 1:17-bk-03283), Ambac Assurance Corporation’s Motion to Strike Certain Provisions of the Plan Support Agreement By and Among the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, Certain GO Holders, and Certain PBA Holders (Dkt. No. 13573, filed July 7, 2020) (“Amended Motion to Strike PSA”). On June 16, 2019, the Oversight Board announced that it had entered into a PSA with certain general obligation and PBA bondholders that includes a proposed resolution of claim objections to and issues surrounding both general obligation and PBA bonds. On July 16, 2019, AAC filed a motion to strike certain provisions of the PSA that it believes violate PROMESA, including the potential payment of a breakup fee to creditors who have supported the PSA (Dkt. No. 8020) (Original Motion to Strike PSA). On February 9, 2020, the Oversight Board executed the Amended PSA and on March 10, 2020, the District Court denied the Original Motion to Strike PSA without prejudice given the execution of the Amended PSA. On July 7, 2020, AAC filed the Amended Motion to Strike PSA seeking similar relief with respect to the Amended PSA. On February 23, 2021, the Oversight Board announced that it entered into a further revised PSA (the “Second Amended PSA”), and that all parties to the Amended PSA had jointly terminated the Amended PSA, and on March 31, 2021, the District Court denied the Amended Motion to Strike PSA without prejudice given the execution of the Second Amended PSA.
In re Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 1:17-bk-03283), Ambac Assurance Corporation's Motion and Memorandum of Law in Support of Its Motion Concerning Application of the Automatic Stay to the Revenues Securing PRIFA Rum Tax Bonds (Dkt. No. 7176, filed May 30, 2019) (“PRIFA Stay Motion”). On May 30, 2019, AAC filed a motion seeking an order that the automatic stay does not apply to certain lawsuits AAC seeks to bring or to continue relating to bonds issued by PRIFA, or, in the alternative, for relief from the automatic stay to pursue such lawsuits or for adequate protection of AAC's collateral. On July 2, 2020, the District Court denied the motion to lift the stay on certain grounds. Briefing regarding additional grounds on which AAC and other movants seek stay relief concluded on August 5, 2020; on September 9, 2020, the District Court denied the motion to lift the stay on the additional grounds. On September 23, 2020, AAC and the other movants appealed this decision to the First Circuit. On March 3, 2021, the First Circuit affirmed the District Court’s opinions denying the motion to lift the stay. On May 5, 2021, Assured and National announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay this case with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and FGIC objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered this case stayed with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On July 14, 2021, AAC and FGIC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRIFA Settlement. On
August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board, AAC, FGIC, and the PRIFA bond trustee jointly moved to stay this case as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this case be stayed.
In re Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 1:17-bk-03283), Motion of Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Municipal Corp., Ambac Assurance Corporation, National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company for Relief from the Automatic Stay, or, in the Alternative, Adequate Protection (Dkt. No. 10102, filed January 16, 2020) (“PRHTA Stay Motion”). Pursuant to an order of the District Court setting out an agreed schedule for litigation submitted by the Mediation Team, on January 16, 2020, AAC, together with Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Municipal Corp., National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company filed a motion seeking an order that the automatic stay does not apply to movants’ enforcement of the application of pledged revenues to the PRHTA bonds or the enforcement of movants’ liens on revenues pledged to such bonds, or, in the alternative, for adequate protection of movants’ interests in the revenues pledged to PRHTA bonds. On July 2, 2020, the District Court denied the motion to lift the stay on certain grounds. Briefing regarding additional grounds on which AAC and other movants seek stay relief concluded on August 5, 2020; on September 9, 2020, the District Court denied the motion to lift the stay on the additional grounds. On September 23, 2020, AAC and the other movants appealed this decision to the First Circuit. On March 3, 2021, the First Circuit affirmed the District Court’s opinions denying the motion to lift the stay. On May 5, 2021, Assured and National announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay this case with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and FGIC objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered this case stayed with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On July 14, 2021, AAC and FGIC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRIFA Settlement. On August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board, AAC, FGIC, and the PRHTA fiscal agent jointly moved to stay this case as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this case be stayed.
In re Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 1:17-bk-03283), Ambac Assurance Corporation, Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Municipal Corp., and the Bank of New York Mellon’s Motion Concerning Application of the Automatic Stay to the Revenues Securing the CCDA Bonds (Dkt. No. 10104, filed January 16, 2020) (“PRCCDA Stay Motion”). Pursuant to an order of the District Court setting out an agreed schedule for litigation submitted by the Mediation Team, on January 16, 2020, AAC, together with Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Municipal Corp., and the PRCCDA bond trustee, filed a motion seeking an order either (i) that the automatic stay does not apply to movants’ enforcement of their rights to revenues pledged
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 43 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
to PRCCDA bonds by bringing an enforcement action against PRCCDA; or, in the alternative, (ii) lifting the automatic stay to enable movants to pursue an enforcement action against PRCCDA; or, in the further alternative, (iii) ordering adequate protection of movants’ interests in the PRCCDA pledged to PRCCDA bonds. On July 2, 2020, the District Court denied the motion to lift the stay on certain grounds, but found that the movants had stated a colorable claim that a certain account was the “Transfer Account” on which movants hold a lien. Briefing regarding additional grounds on which AAC and other movants seek stay relief concluded on August 5, 2020; on September 9, 2020, the District Court denied the motion to lift the stay on the additional grounds, and found that a final determination on issues related to the identity of the Transfer Account would be made in the decision on the motions for summary judgment issued in the PRCCDA-related adversary proceeding, No. 20-ap-00004. On May 5, 2021, Assured and National announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay this case with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and FGIC objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered this case stayed with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On July 14, 2021, AAC and FGIC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRIFA Settlement. On August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board, AAC, FGIC, and the PRCCDA bond trustee jointly moved to stay this case as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this case be stayed.
Ambac Assurance Corporation v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Oriental Financial Services LLC; Popular Securities LLC; Raymond James & Associates, Inc., RBC Capital Markets LLC; Samuel A. Ramirez & Co. Inc., Santander Securities LLC; UBS Financial Services Inc.; and UBS Securities LLC (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Court of First Instance, San Juan Superior Court, Case No. SJ-2020-CV-01505, filed February 19, 2020). On February 19, 2020, AAC filed a complaint in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Court of First Instance, San Juan Superior Court, against certain underwriters of Ambac-insured bonds issued by PRIFA and PRCCDA, with causes of action under the Puerto Rico civil law doctrines of actos propios and Unilateral Declaration of Will. AAC alleges defendants engaged in inequitable conduct in underwriting Ambac-insured bonds issued by PRIFA and PRCCDA, including failing to investigate and adequately disclose material information in the official statements for the bonds that defendants provided to AAC regarding systemic deficiencies in the Commonwealth’s financial reporting. AAC seeks damages in compensation for claims paid by AAC on its financial guaranty insurance policies insuring such bonds, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and attorneys’ fees. On March 20, 2020, defendants removed this case to the Title III Court. On April 20, 2020, AAC moved to remand the case back to the Court of First Instance. On July 29, 2020, the District Court granted AAC’s motion to remand the case to the Commonwealth court. AAC filed an amended complaint in the Commonwealth court on October 28, 2020. In the Amended
Complaint, AAC added claims on bonds issued by the Commonwealth, PBA and PRHTA and added defendants that had underwritten these bonds. Defendants filed motions to dismiss on December 8 and 14, 2020. On July 30, 2021, the Commonwealth court granted defendants’ motions to dismiss.
Ambac Assurance Corporation v. Autopistas Metropolitanas de Puerto Rico, LLC (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 3:20-cv-01094, filed February 19, 2020). On February 19, 2020, AAC filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, against Autopistas Metropolitanas de Puerto Rico, LLC (“Metropistas”), which holds a concession from PRHTA for two Puerto Rico highways, PR-5 and PR-22, in connection with a 10-year extension of the concession that was entered into in April 2016. The complaint includes claims for fraudulent conveyance and unjust enrichment, alleging that the consideration paid by Metropistas for the extension was less than reasonably equivalent value and most of the benefit of such payment was received by the Commonwealth instead of PRHTA. AAC also seeks a declaratory judgment that it has a valid and continuing lien on certain toll revenues that are being collected by Metropistas. On June 16, 2020, the Title III Court ordered AAC to withdraw its complaint. AAC withdrew its complaint on June 23, 2020, and noticed an appeal from the Title III Court’s order to withdraw on June 30, 2020. AAC’s opening appeal brief was filed before the First Circuit on October 19, 2020; briefing was completed on February 12, 2021 and oral argument was held on March 8, 2021. On August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board, AAC, and Metropistas jointly moved to stay this appeal as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 4, 2021, the First Circuit ordered that this appeal be stayed.
In re Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 1:17-bk-03283), Urgent Motion for Bridge Order, and Motion for Appointment as Trustees Under 11 U.S.C. § 926, of Ambac Assurance Corporation, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, and National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (Dkt. No. 13708, filed July 17, 2020) (“PRHTA Trustee Motion”). On July 17, 2020, AAC, together with Assured Guaranty Corporation, Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation, and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, filed a motion seeking appointment as trustees under Section 926 of the Bankruptcy Code to pursue certain avoidance actions on behalf of PRHTA against the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The PRHTA Trustee Motion attached a proposed complaint detailing the avoidance claims that movants would pursue. On August 11, 2020, the District Court denied the PRHTA Trustee Motion; on August 24, 2020, movants noticed an appeal of the denial of the PRHTA Trustee Motion to the First Circuit. Movants’ opening brief before the First Circuit was filed on February 17, 2021. On May 5, 2021, Assured and National announced an agreement with the Oversight Board with respect to the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board, Assured, and National jointly moved to stay the PRHTA Trustee Motion before the District Court with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. AAC and FGIC objected to the motion to stay on May 18, 2021, and briefing on the motion to stay concluded on May 21, 2021. On May 25, 2021, the District Court ordered the PRHTA Trustee Motion stayed at the District
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 44 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Court with respect to Assured and National as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement. Briefing at the First Circuit concluded on June 4, 2021. On July 29, 2021, AAC, FGIC, Assured, and National jointly moved to dismiss the appeal at the First Circuit as a result of the PRHTA/PRCCDA Settlement and the PRIFA Settlement. On July 30, 2021, the First Circuit dismissed the appeal.
In re Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 1:17- bk-03283), Disclosure Statement for Third Amended Title III Joint Plan of Adjustment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, et al. (Dkt. No. 16741, filed May 11, 2021) (as subsequently amended, the “Disclosure Statement”). On May 11, 2021, the Oversight Board filed the Disclosure Statement for the third amended joint plan of adjustment (the Plan) for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Employees Retirement System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (“ERS”), and PBA. On May 13, 2021, the Oversight Board filed a motion for approval of the Disclosure Statement. On June 15, 2021, AAC filed an objection to approval of the Disclosure Statement on numerous grounds. A hearing on the approval of the Disclosure Statement was held July 13-14, 2021. On July 14, 2021, AAC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board regarding the PRIFA Settlement. On July 29, 2021, AAC advised the District Court that its objection to the Disclosure Statement had been resolved; on August 2, 2021, the District Court entered an order approving the Disclosure Statement.
In re Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, No. 1:17- bk-03283), Objection of Ambac Assurance Corporation, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Section 502 and Bankruptcy Rule 3007, to Claim Asserted by the Official Committee of Retired Employees of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Appointed in the Commonwealth’s Title III Case (Dkt. No. 16884, filed June 3, 2021) (“Pension Claim Objection”). On June 3, 2021, AAC filed a claim objection in the Commonwealth’s Title III case challenging the amount of the claim filed by the Retiree Committee against the Commonwealth, which asserts pension liabilities of at least $58.5 billion. AAC contends that this asserted pension liability is overstated by at least $9 billion, and seeks disallowance of the Retiree Committee’s proof of claim to the extent of the overstatement. On June 17, 2021, the Oversight Board and the Retiree Committee each indicated an intention to move to terminate the Pension Claim Objection. The Oversight Board contended that AAC lacked standing to bring the Pension Claim Objection and that the objection is moot; the Retiree Committee contended that the Pension Claim Objection should be addressed at confirmation. AAC responded on June 21, 2021, arguing that AAC has standing to bring the Pension Claim Objection, and that either briefing should proceed on the merits of the Pension Claim Objection concurrently with any procedural objections, or the District Court should convert the Pension Claim Objection into a motion to estimate the pension liability claim under Bankruptcy Code section 502(c). On June 22, 2021, the District Court denied the Pension Claim Objection without prejudice, directing the parties to meet and confer on an appropriate schedule for litigating the issues underlying the Pension Claim Objection. On July 14, 2021, AAC reached an agreement in principle with the Oversight Board regarding the
PRIFA Settlement. On August 2, 2021, the Oversight Board and AAC jointly moved to stay this matter as a result of the PRIFA Settlement. On August 3, 2021, the District Court ordered that this matter be stayed.
Student Loans Exposure
CFPB v. Nat’l Collegiate Master Student Loan Trust (United States District Court, District of Delaware, Case No. 1:17-cv-01323, filed September 18, 2017). On March 19, 2020, intervenor Transworld Systems Inc. filed a motion to dismiss this action by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) against fifteen National Collegiate Student Loan Trusts, regarding alleged improprieties and deficiencies in servicing practices for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. On July 10, 2020, AAC and several other intervenors filed a motion to dismiss the action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim. Additionally, on July 2, 2020, the CFPB submitted an application for entry of default against the Trusts. On March 26, 2021, the court granted intervenors’ motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and denied the motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The court also denied as moot the CFPB’s application for entry of default against the Trusts. The CFPB filed an amended complaint on April 30, 2021. On May 21, 2021, the Trusts and several intervenors, including AAC, moved to dismiss the CFPB’s amended complaint for failure to state a claim. Briefing on the motion to dismiss is complete.
RMBS Litigation
In connection with AAC’s efforts to seek redress for breaches of representations and warranties and fraud related to the information provided by both the underwriters and the sponsors of various transactions and for failure to comply with the obligation by the sponsors to repurchase ineligible loans, AAC has filed various lawsuits:
• Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. First Franklin Financial Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., Merrill Lynch Mortgage Lending, Inc., and Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Case No. 651217/2012, filed April 16, 2012). Discovery has been completed. AAC’s deadline to file a note of issue is December 27, 2021 and summary judgment motions are due on February 25, 2022.
• Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. Countrywide Securities Corp., Countrywide Financial Corp. (a.k.a. Bank of America Home Loans) and Bank of America Corp. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Case No. 651612/2010, filed on September 28, 2010). Oral argument on AAC’s appeal of the court’s dismissal on December 4, 2020, of its fraud claim was held on April 20, 2021. On May 11, 2021, the First Department affirmed the dismissal of AAC’s fraud claim. Trial of this matter had been scheduled to commence on February 22, 2021, but on December 23, 2020 the Court adjourned the trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new trial date has not been set.
• Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. Nomura Credit & Capital,
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 45 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Amounts)
Inc. and Nomura Holding America Inc. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Case No. 651359/2013, filed on April 15, 2013). On August 2, 2021, the court ordered that plaintiff should file the Note of Issue (“NOI”) on or before August 25, 2021, and that post-NOI motions shall be made within 120 days of the filing of the NOI.
• Ambac Assurance Corporation v. U.S. Bank National Association (United States District Court, Southern District of New York, Docket No. 18-cv-5182 (LGS), filed June 8, 2018 (the “SDNY Action”)); In the matter of HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-10 (Minnesota state court, Docket No. 27-TR-CV-17-32 (the “Minnesota Action”)). On March 9, 2021, AAC filed its opening brief for its appeal of the granting by the court in the SDNY Action of U.S. Bank’s motion for summary judgment with respect to AAC’s repayment right in the trust waterfall. On May 13, 2021, U.S. Bank filed its opposition brief in the appeal. On June 3, AAC filed its reply brief in the appeal.
• In re application of Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee of the Harborview Mortgage Loan Trust Mortgage Loan Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-9 (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, No. 654208/2018), filed August 23, 2018 (the “Trust Instruction Proceeding”). This action relates to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company’s (“DBNT”) proposed settlement of claims related to the Harborview Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2006-9 (“Harborview 2006-9”). On August 23, 2018, DBNT filed a Petition commencing the Trust Instruction Proceeding, seeking judicial instruction pursuant to CPLR Article 77, inter alia, to accept the proposed settlement with respect of claims relating to Harborview 2006-9. On November 2, 2018, AAC and other interested persons filed notices of intention to appear and answers to DBNT’s petition. AAC sought a period of discovery before resolution on the merits. Discovery is now complete. Under the operative case schedule, merits briefing was completed on January 12, 2021. On April 21, 2021, AAC and another interested party sought leave to file a joint surreply in further opposition to DBNT’s petition. The court has not yet scheduled a hearing or oral argument.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Following this summary is a discussion addressing the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”) for the periods indicated. References to “Ambac,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” are to AFG and its subsidiaries, as the context requires. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Ambac’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Cautionary Statement Pursuant To The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Of 1995 below and Risk Factors set forth in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and in Ambac’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) contains certain financial measures, in particular the presentation of Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Book Value, which are not presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We are presenting these non-GAAP financial
measures because they provide greater transparency and enhanced visibility into the underlying drivers of our business. We do not intend for these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for any GAAP financial measure and they may differ from similar reporting provided by other companies. Readers of this Form 10-Q should use these non-GAAP financial measures only in conjunction with the comparable GAAP financial measures. Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Book Value are non-GAAP financial measures that adjust for the impact of certain non-recurring or non-economic GAAP accounting requirements and include the addition of certain items that the Company has or expects to realize in the future, but that are not reported under GAAP. We provide reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures; Adjusted Earnings to Net income attributable to common stockholders and Adjusted Book Value to Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Management has included in Parts I and II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including this MD&A, statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” and “may,” or the negative of those expressions or verbs, identify forward-looking statements. We caution readers that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our beliefs regarding future events, which may by their nature be inherently uncertain and some of which may be outside our control. These statements may relate to plans and objectives with respect to the future, among other things which may change. We are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the expected objectives or anticipated results that may be suggested, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part II, Item 1A of this quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Any or all of management’s forward-looking statements here or in other publications may turn out to be incorrect and are based on management’s current belief or opinions. AFG’s and its subsidiaries’ (“Ambac”) actual results may vary materially, and there are no guarantees about the performance of Ambac’s securities. Among events, risks, uncertainties or factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: (1) the highly speculative nature of AFG’s common stock and volatility in the price of AFG’s common stock; (2) Ambac's inability to realize the expected recoveries, including RMBS litigation recoveries, included in its financial statements which would have a materially adverse effect on AAC’s financial condition and may lead to regulatory intervention; (3) failure to recover claims paid on Puerto Rico exposures or realization of losses in amounts higher than expected; (4) increases to loss and loss expense reserves; (5) inadequacy of reserves established for losses and loss expenses and
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 46 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
possibility that changes in loss reserves may result in further volatility of earnings or financial results; (6) uncertainty concerning the Company’s ability to achieve value for holders of its securities, whether from AAC and its subsidiaries or from transactions or opportunities apart from AAC and its subsidiaries, including new business initiatives relating to the specialty property and casualty program insurance business, the managing general agency/underwriting business, or related businesses; (7) potential of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; (8) increased fiscal stress experienced by issuers of public finance obligations or an increased incidence of Chapter 9 filings or other restructuring proceedings by public finance issuers, including an increased risk of loss on revenue bonds of distressed public finance issuers due to judicial decisions adverse to revenue bond holders; (9) our inability to mitigate or remediate losses, commute or reduce insured exposures or achieve recoveries or investment objectives, or the failure of any transaction intended to accomplish one or more of these objectives to deliver anticipated results; (10) insufficiency or unavailability of collateral to pay secured obligations; (11) credit risk throughout Ambac’s business, including but not limited to credit risk related to residential mortgage-backed securities, student loan and other asset securitizations, public finance obligations and exposures to reinsurers; (12) the impact of catastrophic environmental or natural events, including catastrophic public health events like the COVID-19 pandemic, on significant portions of our insured and investment portfolios; (13) credit risks related to large single risks, risk concentrations and correlated risks; (14) the risk that Ambac’s risk management policies and practices do not anticipate certain risks and/or the magnitude of potential for loss; (15) risks associated with adverse selection as Ambac’s insured portfolio runs off; (16) Ambac’s substantial indebtedness could adversely affect its financial condition and operating flexibility; (17) Ambac may not be able to obtain financing or raise capital on acceptable terms or at all due to its substantial indebtedness and financial condition; (18) Ambac may not be able to generate the significant amount of cash needed to service its debt and financial obligations, and may not be able to refinance its indebtedness; (19) restrictive covenants in agreements and instruments may impair Ambac’s ability to pursue or achieve its business strategies; (20) adverse effects on operating results or the Company’s financial position resulting from measures taken to reduce risks in its insured portfolio; (21) disagreements or disputes with Ambac's insurance regulators; (22) default by one or more of Ambac's portfolio investments, insured issuers or counterparties; (23) loss of control rights in transactions for which we provide insurance due to a finding that Ambac has defaulted; (24) adverse tax consequences or other costs resulting from the characterization of the AAC’s surplus notes or other obligations as equity; (25) risks attendant to the change in composition of securities in the Ambac’s investment portfolio; (26) adverse impacts from changes in prevailing interest rates; (27) our results of operation may be adversely affected by events or circumstances that result in the impairment of our intangible assets and/or goodwill that was recorded in connection with Ambac’s acquisition of 80% of the membership interests of Xchange; (28) risks associated with the expected discontinuance of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate; (29) factors that may negatively influence the amount of installment premiums paid to the Ambac; (30) market risks impacting assets in the Ambac’s investment portfolio or the value of our assets posted as collateral in respect of interest rate swap transactions; (31) risks relating to determinations of amounts of impairments taken on investments; (32) the risk of litigation and regulatory inquiries or investigations,
and the risk of adverse outcomes in connection therewith, which could have a material adverse effect on Ambac’s business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows; (33) actions of stakeholders whose interests are not aligned with broader interests of the Ambac's stockholders; (34) system security risks, data protection breaches and cyber attacks; (35) changes in accounting principles or practices that may impact Ambac’s reported financial results; (36) regulatory oversight of Ambac Assurance UK Limited (“Ambac UK”) and applicable regulatory restrictions may adversely affect our ability to realize value from Ambac UK or the amount of value we ultimately realize; (37) operational risks, including with respect to internal processes, risk and investment models, systems and employees, and failures in services or products provided by third parties; (38) Ambac’s financial position that may prompt departures of key employees and may impact the its ability to attract qualified executives and employees; (39) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely impact the insured portfolio in the event of loss reserves or claim payments denominated in a currency other than US dollars and the value of non-US dollar denominated securities in our investment portfolio; (40) disintermediation within the insurance industry or greater competition that negatively impacts our managing general agency/underwriting business; (41) changes in law or in the functioning of the healthcare market that impair the business model of our accident and health managing general underwriter; (42) greater competition for our specialty property & casualty program insurance business; and (43) other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ($ in millions)
Company Overview:
See Note 1. Background and Business Description to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q and Note 1. Background and Business Description in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for a description of the Company and our key strategic priorities to achieve our primary goal to maximize stockholder value.
AFG
During 2021, AFG progressed the development of its specialty property and casualty program insurance business. Developments included the following:
•AFG contributed $82 of additional capital to the Everspan Group.
•The Everspan Group platform received an A- Financial Strength Rating from A.M. Best in February 2021.
•The Everspan Group launched its first insurance program in May 2021.
•To support expansion of the admitted insurance component of its business, during the second quarter of 2021 Everspan Group entered into stock purchase agreements to acquire several insurance shell companies. These acquisitions are subject to the approval of the insurance regulators in the States of domicile of the companies to be acquired, which may occur in 2021.
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•During the second quarter of 2021, AFG made minority investments in certain insurance related businesses, including insurtech platforms, that we believe will be synergistic to our specialty property & casualty program insurance and MGA/MGU businesses.
AFG Net Assets
As of June 30, 2021, net assets of AFG, excluding its equity investments in subsidiaries, were $281.
Cash and short-term investments | $ | 128 | ||||||
Other investments (1) | 147 | |||||||
Other net assets | 5 | |||||||
Total | $ | 281 |
(1)Includes surplus notes (fair value of $116) issued by AAC that are eliminated in consolidation.
AAC and Subsidiaries
A key strategy for Ambac is to increase the value of its investment in AAC by actively managing its assets and liabilities. Asset management primarily entails maximizing the risk-adjusted return on non-VIE invested assets and managing liquidity to help ensure resources are available to meet operational and strategic cash needs. These strategic cash needs include activities associated with Ambac's liability management and loss mitigation programs.
Asset Management
Investment portfolios are subject to internal investment guidelines, as well as limits on the types and quality of investments imposed by insurance laws and regulations. The investment portfolios of AAC and Ambac UK hold fixed maturity securities and various pooled investment funds. Refer to Note 9. Investments to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q for further details of fixed maturity investments by asset category and pooled investment funds by investment type.
At June 30, 2021, Ambac and its subsidiaries owned $611 of distressed Ambac-insured bonds, including significant concentrations of insured Puerto Rico and RMBS bonds, and excluding Ambac's holdings of secured notes issued by Ambac LSNI. Subject to internal and regulatory guidelines, market conditions and other constraints, Ambac may continue to opportunistically purchase or sell Ambac-insured securities.
Liability and Insured Exposure Management
AAC's Risk Management Group focuses on the implementation and execution of risk reduction, defeasance and loss recovery strategies. Analysts evaluate the estimated timing and severity of projected policy claims as well as the potential impact of loss mitigation or remediation strategies in order to target and prioritize policies, or portions thereof, for commutation, reinsurance, refinancing, restructuring or other risk reduction strategies. For targeted policies, analysts will engage with issuers, bondholders and other economic stakeholders to negotiate, structure and execute such strategies. AAC completed risk reduction transactions consisting of quota share reinsurance, refinancings, and commutations of $666 and $2,040 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.
The following table provides a comparison of total, adversely classified ("ACC") and watch list credit net par outstanding in the insured portfolio at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Net par exposure within the U.S. public finance market includes capital appreciation bonds which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bonds.
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | Decrease | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 30,234 | $ | 33,888 | $ | (3,654) | (10) | % | |||||||||||||||
ACC | 6,924 | 8,458 | (1,534) | (18) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Watch list | 4,213 | 4,720 | (507) | (11) | % |
The decrease in total, ACC and watch list credit net par outstanding resulted from active de-risking initiatives, as noted above, as well as scheduled maturities, amortizations, refundings and calls.
The COVID-19 pandemic had, and to a lesser degree, continues to have, a notable impact on general economic conditions, including but not limited to higher unemployment; volatility in the capital markets; closure or severe curtailment of the operations and, hence, revenues, of many businesses and public and private enterprises to which we are directly or indirectly exposed, such as hotels, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities, airports and other transportation facilities, and retail establishments, mostly due to social distancing guidelines, travel bans and restrictions, and business restrictions and shutdowns.
In the U.S., significant monetary policy actions, fiscal stimulus measures and other relief measures together with an increasing COVID-19 vaccination rate in the first half of 2021 have supported the economic recovery which began in the second half of 2020. Outside of the U.S., and in the United Kingdom and Italy in particular, where Ambac has insured portfolio exposure, various monetary policy, fiscal stimulus measures and other actions have helped to moderate the economic impact of the pandemic. Overall, the ongoing global recovery should be a benefit to most issuers in Ambac's insured portfolio negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, credit risk in the insured portfolio remains elevated due to, among other things, uncertainty over the trajectory and continuity of the economic recovery due to still elevated COVID-19 infection rates globally as well as the spread of new virus variants. In addition, the near-term efficacy of fiscal stimulus and related measures on certain exposures in the insured portfolio impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain.
Since 2020, COVID-19 has adversely impacted Ambac's financial position and results of operations as credit risk in the insured and investment portfolios has increased. We continue to evaluate and update our view of the macro economic environment as well as our specific credit view of each of our insured exposures considering the uncertainties brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall financial impact from COVID-19 has been and will be a function of (i) the willingness and ability of issuers of insured debt and other counterparties to pay their obligations when due; (ii) the impact of changes to interest rates on policy and derivative payments; and (iii) the performance of the investment portfolio.
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Ambac has exposure to reinsurance counterparties for their portion of future financial guaranty claim payments. Ambac has reinsured approximately 16.4% of its gross par outstanding to five reinsurance counterparties. Each of these reinsurance counterparties is experienced in the business of reinsuring and/or writing financial guaranty insurance. All have current ratings of A+ (by S&P) or better and have collateralization or replacement triggers upon downgrade. Ambac actively monitors each of these reinsurance entities and currently believes they have the ability to perform under their respective reinsurance policies, but this is subject to change.
Ambac is also exposed to the risk that contractual counterparties (including those under our RMBS litigations and derivative counterparties) may default on their financial obligations, whether as the result of insolvency, lack of liquidity, operational failure, fraud or other reasons. At present, Ambac has no concerns about the ability of our contractual counterparties, which include certain regulated exchanges in the case of interest rate swaps and futures, to perform under their contracts, but this is subject to change.
Given the economic uncertainties associated with the duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is impossible to fully predict all of its consequences and, as a result, it is possible that our future operating results and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. Refer to "Financial Guarantees In Force," "Results of Operations" and "Balance Sheet Commentary" for further financial details on the current impact from COVID-19.
With regard to Ambac's new business strategic objective, we continue to evaluate opportunities in a disciplined manner. Our evaluation process incorporates the impact of COVID-19 on business prospects.
Financial Statement Impact of Foreign Currency:
The impact of foreign currency as reported in Ambac's Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income for the six months ended June 30, 2021, included the following:
Net income (1) | $ | (7) | ||||||
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (net of tax) | 8 | |||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on non-functional currency available-for-sale securities (net of tax) | 2 | |||||||
Impact on total comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 3 |
(1) A portion of Ambac UK's, and to a lesser extent AAC's, assets and liabilities are denominated in currencies other than its functional currency and accordingly, we recognized net foreign currency transaction gains/(losses) as a result of changes to foreign currency rates through our Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Future changes to currency rates may adversely affect our financial results. Refer to Part II, Item 7A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for further information on the impact of future currency rate changes on Ambac's financial instruments.
LIBOR Sunset
Ambac continuously monitors regulatory and industry developments related to the transition from LIBOR to alternative reference rates. On April 6, 2021, New York State passed
legislation addressing the cessation of U.S. Dollar ("USD") LIBOR and specified a recommended benchmark replacement based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") for certain legacy transactions. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee, the Federal Reserve Board and several industry associations and groups have expressed support for the new law and are encouraging comparable Federal legislation. While Ambac believes the New York LIBOR law is generally a positive step, there remains significant uncertainty about how it will be interpreted or challenged as well as about other aspects of the discontinuance of LIBOR, including the impact of any Federal legislation. See the risk factor "Uncertainties regarding the expected discontinuance of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate or any other interest rate benchmark could have adverse consequences" found in Part I, Item 1A of Ambac’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Also, for further background and information about management's evaluation of Ambac's potential exposures to LIBOR transition, see "Executive Summary — LIBOR Sunset" in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Ambac’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Ambac’s Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which require the use of material estimates and assumptions. For a discussion of Ambac’s critical accounting policies and estimates, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Ambac’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
FINANCIAL GUARANTEES IN FORCE
($ in millions)
($ in millions)
Financial guarantee products were sold in three principal markets: U.S. public finance, U.S. structured finance and international finance. The following table provides a breakdown of guaranteed net par outstanding by market at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Net par exposures within the U.S. public finance market include capital appreciation bonds which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bonds. Guaranteed net par outstanding includes the exposures of policies insuring variable interest entities (“VIEs”) consolidated in accordance with the Consolidation Topic of the ASC. Guaranteed net par outstanding excludes the exposures of policies that insure bonds which have been refunded or pre-refunded and excludes exposure of the policy that insured the notes issued by Ambac LSNI as defined in Note 3. Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
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June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
Public Finance (1) (2) | $ | 13,642 | $ | 15,497 | |||||||
Structured Finance | 5,398 | 6,337 | |||||||||
International Finance | 11,194 | 12,054 | |||||||||
Total net par outstanding | $ | 30,234 | $ | 33,888 |
(1)Includes $5,533 and $5,575 of Military Housing net par outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(2)Includes $1,067 and $1,070 of Puerto Rico net par outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Components of Puerto Rico net par outstanding include capital appreciation bonds which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the related insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bonds.
The table below shows Ambac’s ten largest insured exposures, by repayment source, as a percentage of total financial guarantee net par outstanding at June 30, 2021:
Risk Name | Country-Bond Type | Ambac Ratings (1) | Ultimate Maturity Year | Net Par Outstanding (3) | % of Total Net Par Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | Mitchells & Butlers Finance plc-UK Pub Securitisation | UK-Asset Securitizations | BBB | 2033 | $ | 944 | 3.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | Capital Hospitals plc (2) | UK-Infrastructure | A- | 2046 | 922 | 3.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | Anglian Water | UK-Utility | A- | 2035 | 886 | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | Aspire Defence Finance plc | UK-Infrastructure | A- | 2040 | 866 | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | National Grid Gas | UK-Utility | BBB+ | 2037 | 818 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PF | AAC | New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority - Transportation System | US-Lease and Tax-backed Revenue | BBB- | 2036 | 767 | 2.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | Posillipo Finance II S.r.l | Italy-Sub-Sovereign | BIG | 2035 | 704 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | RMPA Services plc | UK-Infrastructure | BBB+ | 2038 | 571 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | National Grid Electricity Transmission | UK-Utility | BBB+ | 2036 | 550 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IF | AUK | Catalyst Healthcare (Manchester) Financing plc (2) | UK-Infrastructure | BBB- | 2040 | 541 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,569 | 24.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PF = Public Finance, SF = Structured Finance, IF = International Finance AAC = Ambac Assurance, AUK = Ambac UK |
(1) Internal credit ratings are provided solely to indicate the underlying credit quality of guaranteed obligations based on the view of Ambac. In cases where Ambac has insured multiple tranches of an issue with varying internal ratings, or more than one obligation of an issuer with varying internal ratings, a weighted average rating is used. Ambac credit ratings are subject to revision at any time and do not constitute investment advice. BIG denotes credits deemed below investment grade.
(2) A portion of this transaction is insured by an insurance policy issued by AAC. AAC has issued policies for these transactions that will only pay in the event that Ambac UK does not pay under its insurance policies ("second to pay policies").
(3) Net Par includes capital appreciation bonds, which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bonds.
Net par related to the top ten exposures reduced $150 from December 31, 2020. Exposures are impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates, certain indexation rates and scheduled and unscheduled paydowns. The concentration of net par amongst the top ten (as a percentage of net par outstanding) increased slightly to 25% at June 30, 2021, from 23% at December 31, 2020. National Grid Gas had an Ambac rating downgrade since December 31, 2020. Excluding the top ten exposures, the remaining insured portfolio of financial guarantees has an average net par outstanding of $32 per single risk, with insured exposures ranging up to $458 and a median net par outstanding of $5.
Given that Ambac has not written any new insurance policies since 2008, the risk exists that the insured portfolio becomes increasingly concentrated to large and/or below investment grade exposures.
COVID-19
COVID-19 and the public health responses by the US federal and state governments at the onset of the pandemic resulted in a shut down for several months of significant portions of the US economy, including areas that Ambac's insured obligors rely upon to generate the revenues and cash flows necessary to service debts we insure. Governments outside the US, in markets in which Ambac operates, also implemented similar measures to the US. Ambac undertook a detailed analysis of the potential impact of the closure of certain portions of the US economy and certain other economies, including the UK, Italy, and Australia, to assess the impact of the resulting global economic contraction on its insured financial guarantee portfolio.
The economic contraction and the subsequent ongoing recovery; actions such as fiscal stimulus and related programs and monetary policy decisions; and our insured obligors' financial flexibility
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and ability to mitigate the operational and economic impact of the recession will determine the ultimate impact to Ambac's insured portfolio.
Fiscal Stimulus and Monetary Policy
In the U.S., significant fiscal stimulus measures, monetary policy actions and other relief measures have helped to moderate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 and have supported the economic recovery which began in the second half of 2020 and continues into 2021. These measures included the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA, signed into law in March 2021, which together with other fiscal stimulus measures put in place in 2020, provide for, among other things, funding to state and local governments, direct payments to households, support for small businesses, renter assistance and funding for transport, airlines, healthcare and education. Monetary policy decisions have included quantitative easing and the provision of liquidity to financial institutions and credit markets. In addition, housing measures, such as forbearance on mortgages and suspension of foreclosures and evictions, and various executive orders have helped to provide relief. Outside of the US, in the United Kingdom and Italy in particular, where Ambac has insured portfolio exposure, various monetary policy, fiscal stimulus measures and other actions have helped to moderate the negative economic impact and support recovery.
We continue to evaluate and update our view of the macro economic environment as well as our specific credit view of each of our insured exposures considering the significant uncertainties brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the above measures, which are designed to help mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic generally, certain of these measures may adversely affect Ambac. These include the federal government's temporary relief measures to which servicers of mortgage loans must adhere. The Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") are providing temporary relief measures that require mortgage loan servicers to offer relief to borrowers who suffer hardship as a result of COVID-19. The relief measures include moratoriums on foreclosures and evictions as well as the expansion of forbearance and subsequent repayment options. Such servicers are generally applying these guidelines to non-FHFA loans, including those loans owned by special purpose entities that have their securitized obligations guaranteed by AAC. Forbearances increased sharply across the AAC's insured first lien RMBS obligations during the second and third quarters of 2020, but then began to drop later in the third quarter of 2020 through June 30, 2021, albeit to still elevated levels. The ultimate impact of forbearances and other relief measures, such as foreclosure and eviction moratoriums, on AAC's insured RMBS obligations are still unclear. However, we have assumed that such measures will have an adverse impact on our insured RMBS transactions. Consequently, we have anticipated that we will experience an increase in claim payments for certain of our insured RMBS obligations as these measures are unwound.
While Ambac expects the foregoing measures to continue to help mitigate economic damage and aid the functioning of the capital markets, Ambac's exposure to credit risk as a result of the
economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic remains elevated, and we could still experience material losses that would adversely impact our future results of operations and financial condition.
Insured Portfolio:
The U.S. economy continues to recover from COVID-19 pandemic, aided by rapid vaccine diffusion, increased fiscal stimulus, and a continued reopening of the economy. After contracting in 2020, the U.S. economy is projected to grow strongly in 2021, exceeding 2019 levels of economic output during the course of the year. Unemployment has recovered from the high of about 15% in April 2020, but still remains elevated at about 5.9% relative to pre-pandemic levels of about 3.5%. Potential headwinds include rising COVID-19 infection rates globally and the spread of COVID-19 variants.
The improving economy, increased fiscal stimulus and other relief measures should benefit the overall credit quality of Ambac's insured portfolio. In particular, the expanded fiscal stimulus resulting from March 2021's $1.9 trillion ARPA should significantly benefit state and local governments that have faced significant budget constraints as tax revenues faltered as a result of COVID-19 related shutdowns, job losses and travel restrictions. ARPA provides $350 billion to state and local governments, including to Public Finance issuers with debt insured by Ambac. However, the ultimate impact of ARPA and the economic recovery in general on the Ambac insured portfolio remains to be seen, as it will not benefit all insured exposures equally and may not benefit certain exposures at all.
As part of a detailed analysis of the insured portfolio, we have identified certain Public Finance sectors that are most susceptible to potential claims or impairments as a result of a prolonged or uneven recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our near-term concerns are concentrated on exposures substantially reliant on narrow, economically sensitive revenue streams. The ability of issuers of certain of these obligations to pay has been and may continue to be stressed although several issuers expressed a willingness to use their balance sheets to support their obligations and avoid defaults and thus far there have been no defaults of these obligations attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambac's insured par outstanding, net of reinsurance ("NPO"), to these Public Finance sectors are as follows:
Market / Sector | Total NPO | Total Debt Service Due Next Twelve Months | ||||||
Toll Roads / Bridges | $ | 457 | $ | 43 | ||||
Dedicated Tax | 341 | 49 | ||||||
Rail / Mass Transit | 288 | 15 | ||||||
Hotels / Convention Centers | 187 | 40 | ||||||
Higher Education Auxiliary | 138 | 16 | ||||||
Stadiums | 92 | 8 | ||||||
Airports | 22 | 14 | ||||||
Total Public Finance | $ | 1,525 | $ | 185 |
The RMBS insured portfolios were adversely impacted by the previously mentioned forbearances and the moratorium on
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foreclosures as well as the general uncertainty about the trajectory of the economic recovery and the impact of fiscal stimulus on the U.S. households. This has been offset by the benefit to excess spread within the securitization structures as a result of the reduction in interest rates over the past year, which is expected to result in higher excess spread recoveries to Ambac.
Ambac's insured exposure includes a number of international policies where the revenue of the issuer is demand dependent. Such transactions have been impacted by the reduction of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambac and its advisors are working closely with impacted issuers to review their plans and liquidity facilities in light of these events. Ambac's remaining NPO with respect to these international demand dependent policies are as follows:
Market / Sector | Total NPO | Total Debt Service Due for Twelve Months | ||||||
Asset Securitizations | $ | 944 | $ | 88 | ||||
Toll Roads / Bridges | 424 | 34 | ||||||
Airports | 209 | 7 | ||||||
Higher Education | 179 | 10 | ||||||
Total | $ | 1,756 | $ | 139 |
At this time, there are still significant uncertainties surrounding the ultimate number of claims and scope of damage resulting from this pandemic. Actual losses from these events may vary materially from Ambac's loss and loss expense reserves due to several factors, including the inherent uncertainties in making such determinations and the evolving nature of this pandemic. Potential losses from the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic could be material and therefore may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Puerto Rico
We continue to experience stress in our exposure to Puerto Rico (the "Commonwealth") that consists of several different issuing entities (all below investment grade) with total net par exposure of $1,067 as of June 30, 2021. Each issuing entity has its own credit risk profile attributable to, as applicable, discreet revenue sources, direct general obligation pledges and general obligation guarantees. Refer to Part 1, Item 1 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for additional information regarding the different issuing entities that encompass Ambac's exposures to Puerto Rico.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Commonwealth of Puerto Rico much as it did in the 50 U.S. states and other U.S. territories. However, the Puerto Rico economy is currently in recovery with vaccination rates increasing and infection rates declining. Overall, the Commonwealth's general fund revenues in the 10-month period ending April 2021 were up 10.7% year-on-year to $8,900 from $8,000 and were about $540 higher than the budgeted amount for the period. As reported in the April 23, 2021, Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, Puerto Rico is also expected to benefit from about $43,500 in COVID-19-related federal funds from the initial
CARES related measures in 2020 through the more recently enacted ARPA.
It is unclear if the recovery will hold, what this implies for the Commonwealth’s ability and willingness to pay debt service, and what if any lasting effects COVID-19 will have on the economic and financial profile of Puerto Rico.
Over the longer-term, Puerto Rico's recovery profile will be impacted by a wide range of factors as well as financial considerations including, but not limited to:
•the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government which will shape the trajectory of the U.S. economy;
•the speed and efficacy of targeted federal aid packages to (1) help Puerto Rico address the negative economic effects of the pandemic and (2) rebuild better and more resilient infrastructure post-Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and earthquakes in 2020;
•supplemental Medicaid funding relief; and
•the willingness and ability of the Commonwealth government to implement much needed fiscal and structural reforms.
Commonwealth Fiscal Plan
On April 23, 2021, the Oversight Board certified its own version of a new Commonwealth Fiscal Plan. This most recent Commonwealth Fiscal Plan purports to incorporate the impact of the $120,000 of federal recovery money stemming from the 2017 hurricanes, 2019-2020 earthquakes, and COVID-19 pandemic, including the American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA. The current certified Commonwealth Fiscal Plan projects a surplus of $15,200 in years 2022-2035, with deficits beginning in 2036, whereas as May 2020's COVID-19 affected certified Commonwealth Fiscal Plan projected a surplus of $5,800 over a similar period. Debt sustainability analysis in the new plan suggests a modest increase to $5,600 from $5,000 (based upon mid-point of ranges shown in the plan).
As with previous fiscal plans, the current certified Commonwealth Fiscal Plan may significantly inform the Commonwealth Plan of Adjustment in the Commonwealth's Title III proceeding. However, as was also the case with previous versions of the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, the current version of the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan lacks a high degree of transparency regarding the underlying data, assumptions and rationales supporting those assumptions, making reconciliation and due diligence difficult.
No assurances can be given that Ambac's financial condition will not suffer a materially negative impact as an ultimate result of decisions based on the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan or any future changes or revisions to the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan or future fiscal plans for Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority ("PRHTA") or other Puerto Rico instrumentalities.
Commonwealth Plan of Adjustment
On July 30, 2021, the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority, and the Employees Retirement System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, filed a Seventh Amended Title III Joint Plan of Adjustment of the
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Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (“Seventh Amended POA”) that proposes to restructure approximately $35,000 of debt and approximately $50,000 in pension obligations. The Seventh Amended POA, among other things, incorporates the settlement reflected in the PRIFA Related Plan Support Agreement (“PRIFA PSA”) that was signed on July 27, 2021, by the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, AAC, FGIC, and other holders of bonds issued by the Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority ("PRIFA"). On July 29, 2021, Judge Laura Taylor Swain of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico approved the disclosure statement for the Commonwealth's plan of adjustment, thereby enabling the Oversight Board to proceed towards confirmation of the Seventh Amended POA. Earlier in July 2021, Judge Swain approved several days between November 8th through November 23rd for a hearing to confirm the Commonwealth's plan of adjustment, although these dates may change. A successful confirmation and consummation of the Seventh Amended POA would represent a significant step towards resolution of AAC's remaining Puerto Rico exposures; however, the ultimate outcome of the hearing and the subsequent emergence of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from the Title III proceedings is not certain and subject to challenge and other developments.
The PRIFA PSA reflects a July 14, 2021, agreement between the Oversight Board, AAC and FGIC to resolve claims related to bonds issued by PRIFA. Under the PRIFA PSA, PRIFA creditors will receive, on account of approximately $1,900 of allowed claims arising from PRIFA bonds, consideration in the form of (i) $193.5 cash and (ii) a contingent value instrument ("CVI") premised on outperformance of general fund rum tax collections relative to the certified 2021 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections (the "Rum Tax CVI"). The Rum Tax CVI is subject to a lifetime nominal cap of about $1,300, and is also subject to various permitted rum tax waterfall deductions and caps on distributions, including the lesser of (a) 40% of cumulative outperformance (net of waterfall deductions), starting on July 1, 2021, less Rum Tax CVI payments made to PRIFA creditors in previous years, (b) 50% of annual rum tax outperformance (net of waterfall deductions), and (c) $30 annually. Both the cash consideration and the Rum Tax CVI will be deposited into a trust held for the benefit of PRIFA bondholders (the "PRIFA Trust"); the PRIFA Trust will also be funded with a share (approximately 27%) of the Clawback CVI, described below. The lifetime sum of the Rum Tax CVI and the Clawback CVI cannot exceed the $1,300 lifetime nominal cap (75% of allowed PRIFA claim) under the Seventh Amended POA. Further, under the PRIFA PSA, AAC and other creditors may also receive fees in connection with negotiating the PRIFA PSA and supporting the restructuring agreement reflected therein. The value of the PRIFA Trust is highly uncertain given the contingent, outperformance-driven structure of the CVIs coupled with the likely back-ended nature of most of the potential cash flows. Changes in our assumed values of the PRIFA Trust or the actual performance of the CVIs could cause an adverse change in our reserves which could be material. As a result, a decrease in our assumed values of the PRIFA Trust could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
In addition to the PRIFA PSA, AAC signed a joinder to the PRHTA/CCDA Related Plan Support Agreement (“PRHTA/
CCDA PSA”) on July 15, 2021. The PRHTA/CCDA PSA, originally executed on May 5, 2021, among other things provides for certain consideration for holders of bonds issued by certain Commonwealth instrumentalities, including PRHTA, CCDA, and PRIFA, on account of their claims against the Commonwealth arising from such bonds ("Clawback" claims). This consideration consists of a contingent value instrument tied to the outperformance of the Commonwealth's sales and use tax ("SUT") relative to the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections (the "Clawback CVI"). For years one through 30, a portion of the Clawback CVI consideration reflects a 40% share of cumulative outperformance, starting July 1, 2021, subject to a combined 95% outperformance limit with the subsequently described amounts subject to a waterfall. The other portion of the Clawback CVI receives, on an annual basis, the lesser of (i) 50% of cumulative outperformance, less payments previously made, and (ii) 75% of annual outperformance, and is subject to a waterfall. The waterfall provides that in years one through 22, (a) holders of general obligation ("GO") bonds will receive the first $100 of outperformance, (b) the Clawback creditors will receive the next $11.1, and (c) any amounts received thereafter will be split 90%/10% between GO creditors and Clawback creditors; in years 23 through 30, subject to the limits in (i) and (ii) above, 100% of the outperformance goes to the Clawback creditors. Overall, Clawback CVI recoveries are subject to a lifetime cap of 75% of allowed claim amounts under the Commonwealth plan of adjustment. PRHTA creditors will receive an approximately 69% share of the Clawback CVI, subject to a lifetime nominal cap of about $3,700, and subject to a PRHTA-specific waterfall: holders of PRHTA ’68 bonds will receive the first dollars of Clawback CVI, followed by holders of PRHTA ’98 bonds. CCDA bondholders will receive a 4% share of the Clawback CVI, subject to a lifetime nominal cap of about $217. PRIFA bondholders, as discussed above, will receive a 27% share of the Clawback CVI. The value of the Clawback CVI is highly uncertain, given the contingent, outperformance-driven structure of the instrument coupled with the likelihood that cash flows in later years (years 23 through 30) will significantly exceed those in earlier years. Changes in our assumed values of the Clawback CVI or in the actual performance of the Clawback CVI could cause an adverse change in our reserves which could be material. As a result, a decrease in our assumed values of the Clawback CVI could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Under the PRHTA/CCDA PSA, the PRHTA creditors will also receive new PRHTA bonds with a face amount of $1,245, maturities of up to 40 years and an average interest rate of 5.0%. Of the $1,245 in new bonds, approximately $646.4 will be allocated to holders of PRHTA '68 bonds and approximately $598.6 will be allocated to holders of PRHTA '98 bonds. PRHTA creditors will also share $389 of cash proceeds, including a $264 interim distribution, payable at the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment. In addition, certain restriction fees and consummation costs are payable at the effective date of the PRHTA plan. Of the $264 interim cash distribution, $184.8 would be allocated to holders of PRHTA ’68 bonds and $79.2 would be allocated to holders of PRHTA ’98 bonds. Claim recovery expectations for PRHTA creditors under the PRHTA/CCDA PSA are uncertain and subject to interpretation due to the
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 53 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
aforementioned uncertainty related to the value of and/or the actual performance of the Clawback CVI.
Under the PRHTA/CCDA PSA, CCDA creditors will receive $112 of cash, inclusive of up to $15 related to restriction fees and consummation costs payable at the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
On July 27, 2021, Ambac joined the July 12, 2021, Amended and Restated Plan Support Agreement with the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, PBA, and the Employee Retirement System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ("Amended and Restated GO / PBA PSA"). In general, this PSA follows the Second Amended GO/PBA PSA, originally signed on February 23, 2021, which provided for lower Commonwealth debt service payments per annum relative to the Plan Support Agreement signed in February 2020 (the "Amended GO/PBA PSA"), and extended the tenor of new recovery bonds, increased the amount of cash distributed to creditors, and provided additional consideration in the form of a CVI, intended to provide creditors with additional returns tied to outperformance of the SUT against the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections. Fixed consideration as part of the Amended and Restated GO/PBA PSA, as in the Second Amended GO/PBA PSA, includes a combination of cash, new GO current interest bonds, and new GO capital appreciation bonds. Recovery derived from fixed consideration is estimated to vary between approximately 67% and 77% (as of the petition date) for GO creditors, and between approximately 75% and 80% (as of the petition date) for PBA creditors.
While Ambac has now signed onto plan support agreements covering all of its remaining exposures to unrestructured Puerto Rico instrumentalities, it is unclear whether the Seventh Amended POA will be modified further, or whether the Seventh Amended POA, a prospective PRHTA plan of adjustment, and other plans of adjustment or Title VI agreements for PRIFA and CCDA that reflect these plan support agreements ultimately will be confirmed or approved. It is possible that if the Seventh Amended POA is modified further, or the Seventh Amended POA or plans of adjustment or Title VI agreements reflecting the plan support agreements are not confirmed or approved, Ambac's financial condition would suffer a material negative impact. Refer to Note 6. Insurance Contracts to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q for the possible increase in loss reserves under stress or other adverse conditions. There can be no assurance that losses may not exceed such estimates.
Ambac Title III Litigation Update
AAC is party to a number of litigations related to its Puerto Rico exposures, and actively participates in the Commonwealth’s Title III proceedings before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. In connection with the July 27, 2021, PRIFA PSA, Ambac filed urgent motions to stay or dismiss various pending matters related to outstanding litigation in connection with the Title III proceedings.
Refer to "Financial Guarantees in Force" in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Ambac’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further information about Ambac's litigation relating to Puerto Rico.
Federal Aid
The full extent of federal government support to Puerto Rico is estimated to be $120,000 per the April 23, 2021, certified Commonwealth Fiscal Plan and stretch from FY 2018 to FY 2035. The federal government support includes FEMA, HUD and other disaster relief funds stemming from the 2017 hurricanes and 2019-2020 earthquakes and includes about $43,000 of support related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including funding form the recently enacted ARPA.
While the previously allocated federal disaster relief funds and the more recent COVID-19 crisis-related funds are all expected to support economic recovery and growth in Puerto Rico, there can be no assurances as to the certainty, timing, usage, efficacy or magnitude of benefits to creditor outcomes related to disaster aid and ensuing economic growth, if any.
Summary
Ambac has considered these developments and other factors in evaluating its Puerto Rico loss reserves. While management believes its reserves are adequate to cover losses in its Public Finance insured portfolio, there can be no assurance that Ambac may not incur additional losses in the future, particularly given the developing economic, political, and legal circumstances in Puerto Rico and the overall uncertain impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the Commonwealth and the Domestic Public Finance Insured Portfolio in general. Such additional losses may have a material adverse effect on Ambac’s results of operations and financial condition.
Exposure Currency
The table below shows the distribution by currency of AAC’s insured exposure as of June 30, 2021:
Currency | Net Par Amount Outstanding in Base Currency | Net Par Amount Outstanding in U.S. Dollars | ||||||||||||
U.S. Dollars | $ | 19,284 | $ | 19,284 | ||||||||||
British Pounds | £ | 6,636 | 9,159 | |||||||||||
Euros | € | 1,167 | 1,382 | |||||||||||
Australian Dollars | A$ | 545 | 409 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 30,234 |
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 54 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
Ratings Distribution
The following charts provide a rating distribution of net par outstanding based upon internal Ambac credit ratings(1) and a distribution by bond type of Ambac's below investment grade ("BIG") net par exposures at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. BIG is defined as those exposures with an Ambac internal credit rating below BBB-:
Note: AAA is less than 1% in both periods.
(1)Internal credit ratings are provided solely to indicate the underlying credit quality of guaranteed obligations based on the view of Ambac. In cases where Ambac has insured multiple tranches of an issue with varying internal ratings, or more than one obligation of an issuer with varying internal ratings, a weighted average rating is used. Ambac credit ratings are subject to revision at any time and do not constitute investment advice.
Net Par Outstanding | ||||||||||||||
Summary of Below Investment Grade Exposure | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Public Finance: | ||||||||||||||
Lease and tax-backed (1) | $ | 1,180 | $ | 1,194 | ||||||||||
General obligation (1) | 314 | 325 | ||||||||||||
Housing (2) | 372 | 308 | ||||||||||||
Stadium | — | 540 | ||||||||||||
Transportation | 29 | 30 | ||||||||||||
Other | 38 | 38 | ||||||||||||
Total Public Finance | 1,933 | 2,435 | ||||||||||||
Structured Finance: | ||||||||||||||
RMBS | 2,460 | 2,800 | ||||||||||||
Student loans | 454 | 512 | ||||||||||||
Total Structured Finance | 2,914 | 3,312 | ||||||||||||
International Finance: | ||||||||||||||
Other | 1,184 | 1,574 | ||||||||||||
Total International Finance | 1,184 | 1,574 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 6,031 | $ | 7,321 |
(1)Lease and tax-backed revenue includes $965 and $969 of Puerto Rico net par at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. General obligation includes $101 and $101 of Puerto Rico net par at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Components of Puerto Rico net par outstanding includes capital appreciation bonds which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the related insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bonds.
(2)Relates to military housing net par.
The net decline in below investment grade exposures is primarily due to de-risking activities.
Below investment grade exposures could increase as a relative proportion of the guarantee portfolio given that stressed borrowers generally have less ability to prepay or refinance their debt. Accordingly, due to these and other factors, it is not unreasonable to expect the proportion of below investment grade exposure in the guarantee portfolio to increase in the future.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 55 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
Results of Operations
($ in millions)
($ in millions)
A summary of our financial results is shown below:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net premiums earned | $ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 25 | $ | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 42 | 52 | 91 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses) | (2) | 10 | 1 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts | (11) | 2 | 14 | (68) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 33 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | 7 | — | 12 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) on variable interest entities | 2 | — | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Losses and loss expenses (benefit) | (26) | 16 | (18) | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance intangible amortization | 14 | 14 | 33 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 28 | 21 | 62 | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 50 | 58 | 100 | 122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 11 | 2 | 13 | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (29) | $ | (35) | $ | (12) | $ | (315) |
Ambac's results of operations and financial position have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the global economy and financial markets. Significant interest rate declines during the first quarter of 2020 contributed materially to a net increase in loss reserves and losses on interest rate derivative contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Credit driven losses were also recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2021, within losses incurred (primarily from public finance insurance policies) and losses from counterparty credit adjustments on derivative asset valuations. Financial market disruptions were reflected through lower valuations of certain fixed maturity securities (recorded through other comprehensive income) and the majority of other investments (recorded through net investment income). During the remaining quarters of 2020 and into 2021, credit spreads recovered (favorably impacting counterparty credit adjustments on derivative assets and valuations of investment securities). The scope, duration and magnitude of the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 are evolving in ways that are difficult or impossible to anticipate. As a result, it is possible that Ambac's results of operations and financial condition may be further adversely affected by the evolving affects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For additional information on the risks posed by COVID-19, refer to Item 1A to
Part I, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following paragraphs describe the consolidated results of operations of Ambac and its subsidiaries for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Net Premiums Earned. Net premiums earned primarily represent the amortization into income of insurance premiums. We present accelerated premiums, which result from calls and other accelerations of financial guarantee insured obligations separate from normal net premiums earned. When an insured bond has been retired, any remaining unearned premium revenue ("UPR") is recognized at that time to the extent the financial guarantee contract is legally extinguished, causing accelerated premium revenue. For installment premium paying transactions, we offset the recognition of any remaining UPR by the reduction of the related premium receivable to zero (as it will not be collected as a result of the retirement), which may cause negative accelerated premium revenue.
Net premiums earned increased $0 and $4 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Normal net premiums earned and accelerated premiums are reconciled to total net premiums earned in the table below. The following table provides a breakdown of normal premiums earned by market:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Normal premiums earned | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public finance | $ | 4 | $ | 5 | $ | 9 | $ | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||
Structured finance | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
International finance | 5 | 3 | 11 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total normal premiums earned | 11 | 10 | 26 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Accelerated earnings | — | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Net Premiums Earned (1) | $ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 25 | $ | 21 |
(1) Specialty property and casualty net premiums earned included above is deminimis
The increase in normal premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2021, is primarily due to changes in allowances for credit losses on premium receivables, partially offset by the continued runoff of the financial guaranty insured portfolio in all markets. Ambac adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("CECL"), on January 1, 2020, and assesses the allowance for credit losses on premium receivables on a quarterly basis. The three and six months ended June 30, 2021, includes a decrease in the allowance for credit losses of $2 and $6, respectively, as compared to an increase of $2 and $4 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. Terminations and accelerations, including those which occurred in prior periods, result in lower normal premiums earned in current and future periods. Public Finance normal earned premiums for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, were also impacted by reinsurance cessions in the first quarter of 2021.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 56 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
Net Investment Income. Net investment income primarily consists of interest and net discount accretion on fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale and net gains (losses) on pooled investment funds which include changes in fair value of the funds' net assets. Fixed maturity securities include investments in Ambac-insured securities that are made opportunistically based on their risk/reward and asset-liability management characteristics. Investments in pooled investment funds and certain other investments are either classified as trading securities with changes in fair value recognized in earnings or are reported under the equity method. These funds and other investments are reported in Other investments on the Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets, which consists primarily of pooled fund investments in diversified asset classes. For further information about investment funds held, refer to Note 9. Investments to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q.
Net investment income from Ambac-insured securities; available-for-sale and short-term securities, other than Ambac-insured; and Other investments is summarized in the table below:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Securities available-for-sale: Ambac-insured (including LSNI Secured Notes) | $ | 14 | $ | 16 | $ | 29 | $ | 32 | |||||||||||||||
Securities available-for-sale and short-term other than Ambac-insured | 8 | 10 | 15 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other investments (includes trading securities) | 20 | 27 | 47 | (25) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 42 | $ | 52 | $ | 91 | $ | 31 |
Net investment income decreased $11 and increased $59 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. As described further below, the variances were primarily driven by pricing volatility within fund investments resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial markets and re-allocation of the investment portfolio during 2020 toward pooled funds and Ambac-insured bonds from investment grade corporate bonds, commercial mortgage backed securities and certain CLOs.
•Other investments income (loss) decreased $7 and increased $72 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Pooled fund investments have continued to perform well overall in 2021, particularly in hedge and equity funds. Despite a higher asset base and sound returns in 2021, other investment income declined for the three months ended June 30, 2021, reflecting the challenging comparison against a very strong market recovery in the second quarter of 2020. The increase in other investment income for the six month period reflects favorable performance and a higher invested asset base in 2021, compared to net losses on other
investments for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The losses for the first six months of 2020, were primarily in hedge and equity fund investments driven by adverse changes in fair values as a consequence of the initial economic and financial market impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020, partially offset by a generally strong second quarter 2020 market recovery.
•Income from Ambac-insured securities was lower for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same periods in the prior year, due to the ongoing redemptions of Secured Notes issued by Ambac LSNI, lower LIBOR indexed coupon rates and sales and redemptions of RMBS, partially offset by a higher 2021 allocation to Ambac-insured Puerto Rico bonds.
•Net investment income from available-for-sale securities other than Ambac-insured securities decreased as a result of a lower asset base and average yield for this portion of the portfolio. The lower asset base resulted primarily from re-allocation of the portfolio in the first half of 2020 toward pooled funds and Ambac-insured bonds from investment grade corporate and certain asset-backed securities. Additionally, cash has been used to fund operations, early debt redemptions, and Ambac's acquisition of Xchange. Lower yields in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same periods in the prior year, reflect the higher rated securities purchased during the 2020 portfolio re-allocation, lower relative yields on new investments and near-zero short term rates prevailing during the first six months of 2021.
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses). The following table provides a breakdown of net realized gains (losses) for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net gains (losses) on securities sold or called | $ | 1 | $ | 9 | $ | 7 | $ | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | (2) | 1 | (6) | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit impairments | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Intent / requirement to sell impairments | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total net realized gains (losses) | $ | (2) | $ | 10 | $ | 1 | $ | 18 |
Net realized gains on securities sold or called for the six months ended June 30, 2021, included a gain of $4 realized on the sale AFG's equity interest in the Corolla Trust in connection with the Corolla Exchange Transaction. Other net realized gains on securities sold or called during both periods were primarily from sales in connection with routine portfolio management.
Credit impairments are recorded as an allowance for credit losses with changes in the allowance recorded through earnings. When credit impairments are recorded, any non-credit related impairment amounts on the securities are recorded in other comprehensive income. If management either: (i) has the intent to sell its investment in a debt security or (ii) determines that the
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 57 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
Company more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, then the amortized cost of the security is written-down to fair value with a corresponding impairment charge recognized in earnings.
Net Gains (Losses) on Derivative Contracts. Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts include results from the Company's interest rate derivatives portfolio and its runoff credit derivatives portfolio. The interest rate derivatives portfolio is positioned to benefit from rising rates as a partial economic hedge against interest rate exposure in the financial guarantee and investment portfolios. Net gains (losses) on interest rate derivatives generally reflect mark-to-market gains (losses) in the portfolio caused by increases (declines) in forward interest rates during the periods, the carrying cost of the portfolio, and the impact of counterparty credit adjustments as discussed below. Results from credit derivatives were not significant to the periods presented.
Net gains (losses) on interest rate derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, were ($11) and $14, respectively, compared to $1 and $(67) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. The net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2021, reflects changes in fair value from declines in forward interest rates and portfolio carrying costs as well as higher counterparty credit adjustments on certain derivative assets. The gain for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was driven by higher forward interest rates during the period and lower counterparty credit adjustments on certain derivative assets, partially offset by portfolio carrying costs. The net gain for the three months ended June 30, 2020, reflects a gain from reduced counterparty credit adjustments, partially offset by the impact of interest rate movements on the portfolio. The net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020, reflects significant declines in forward interest rates, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and losses from the application of counterparty credit adjustments, described further below.
Counterparty credit adjustments are generally applicable for uncollateralized derivative assets that may not be offset by derivative liabilities under a master netting agreement. Inclusion of counterparty credit adjustments in the valuation of interest rate derivatives resulted in gains (losses) within Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts of $(3) and $6 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $8 and $(21) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. In addition to the impact of interest rates on the underlying derivative asset values, the changes in counterparty credit adjustments are driven by movement of credit spreads. Credit spreads were relatively unchanged in the second quarter of 2021, and narrowed in six months ended June 30, 2021. Spreads narrowed in the second quarter of 2020 partially reversing the spread widening experienced in the first quarter of 2020 associated with the market disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other income (expense). Other income (expense) includes commission revenues of Xchange, ceding fees from the specialty property and casualty business and various financial guarantee fees and foreign exchange gains/(losses) unrelated to investments or loss reserves. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, other income includes Xchange revenues of $6 and $13, respectively.
Net Realized Gains on Extinguishment of Debt. Net realized gains on extinguishment of debt was $33 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, resulting from the first quarter 2021 exchanges of junior surplus notes below their carrying values. Refer to Note 1. Background and Business Description for further discussion of the 2021 Surplus Notes Exchanges.
Income (Loss) on Variable Interest Entities. Included within Income (loss) on variable interest entities are income statement amounts relating to VIEs, consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC as a result of Ambac's variable interest arising from financial guarantees written by Ambac's subsidiaries, including gains or losses attributable to consolidating or deconsolidating VIEs during the periods reported. Generally, the Company’s consolidated VIEs are entities for which Ambac has provided financial guarantees on all of or a portion of its assets or liabilities. In consolidation, assets and liabilities of the VIEs are initially reported at fair value and the related insurance assets and liabilities are eliminated. However, the amount of VIE net assets (liabilities) that remain in consolidation generally result from the net positive (negative) projected cash flows from (to) the VIEs which are attributable to Ambac’s insurance subsidiaries in the form of financial guarantee insurance premiums, fees and losses. In the case of VIEs with net negative projected cash flows, the net liability is generally to be funded by Ambac’s insurance subsidiaries through insurance claim payments. Differences between the net carrying value of the insurance accounts under the Financial Services—Insurance Topic of the ASC and the carrying value of the consolidated VIE’s net assets or liabilities are recorded through income at the time of consolidation. Additionally, terminations or other changes to Ambac's financial guarantee insurance policies that impact projected cash flows between a consolidated VIE and Ambac could result in gains or losses, even if such policy changes do not result in deconsolidation of the VIE.
Income (loss) on variable interest entities was $2 and $2 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to a loss of less than a million and income of $3 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. Results for the three months ended June 30, 2021, were due primarily to gains on higher valuation of net assets on VIEs. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 included realized gains of $1 on sales of assets, together with higher valuation of net assets on VIEs. Results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, were due primarily to realized gains of $8 on sales of assets partially offset by the lower valuation of net assets on VIEs impacted by COVID-19.
Refer to Note 3. Variable Interest Entities to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q for further information on the accounting for VIEs.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative portfolio for insurance policies issued to beneficiaries, excluding consolidated VIEs.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 58 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
Ambac records as a component of its loss reserve estimate subrogation recoveries related to securitized loans in RMBS transactions with respect to which AAC is pursuing claims for breaches of representations and warranties. Ambac does not include potential recoveries attributed solely to fraudulent inducement claims in our litigations in our estimate of subrogation recoveries. Generally, the sponsor of an RMBS transaction provided representations and warranties with respect to the securitized loans, including representations with respect to the loan characteristics, the absence of borrower fraud in the underlying loan pools or other misconduct in the origination process and attesting to the compliance of loans with the prevailing underwriting policies. Ambac has recorded representation and warranty subrogation recoveries, net of reinsurance, of $1,715 and $1,725 at June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. Refer to Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for more information regarding the estimation process for R&W subrogation recoveries.
The following provides details for losses and loss expenses (benefit) incurred for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Structured Finance | $ | (16) | $ | (31) | $ | (23) | $ | (100) | ||||||||||||||||||
Domestic Public Finance | (11) | 42 | (2) | 220 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 1 | 5 | 7 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Totals (1) (2) | $ | (26) | $ | 16 | $ | (18) | $ | 132 |
(1) Includes loss expenses incurred of $13 and $23 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $34 and $37 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.
(2) Specialty property and casualty loss and loss expenses incurred included above is deminimis
Losses and loss expenses (benefit) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, were largely driven by structured finance credits as a result of improved credit and the positive impact of interest rates on excess spread, partially offset by the negative impact of discount rates.
Losses and loss expenses (benefit) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, were driven by the following:
•Higher projected losses in domestic public finance (primarily relating to Puerto Rico) driven by lower discount rates and estimated losses related to transactions directly impacted by the economic impact from COVID-19;
•Favorable structured finance development as a result of the positive impact of lower interest rates on excess spread, reduced by the negative impact of lower discount rates and estimated losses from COVID-19 related delinquencies.
Intangible Amortization
Insurance intangible amortization for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, was $13 and $31, a decrease of $(1) and an increase of $5 over the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. The YTD increase was driven primarily by de-risking activity. Other intangible amortization for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, was $1 and $1, respectively.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses consist of gross operating expenses plus reinsurance commissions. The following table provides a summary of operating expenses for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation | $ | 14 | $ | 11 | $ | 30 | $ | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-compensation | 14 | 10 | 31 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross operating expenses | 28 | 20 | 61 | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Reinsurance commissions, net | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | $ | 28 | $ | 21 | $ | 62 | $ | 44 |
Gross operating expenses increased $8 and $17 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year.
The increase in operating expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020, was due to the following:
•Higher compensation costs due to a net increase in staffing resulting from the inclusion of the specialty property & casualty insurance and the managing general agency/underwriting businesses and performance based incentive compensation adjustments recorded in the second quarter of 2021.
•Higher non-compensation costs primarily due to the inclusion of commissions to sub-producers as part of the managing general agency/underwriting business of $4 for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
The increase in operating expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, was due to the following:
•Higher compensation costs primarily due to a net increase in staffing resulting from the inclusion of the specialty property & casualty insurance and the managing general agency/underwriting businesses, higher incentive compensation costs and lower capitalization of compensation costs associated with internal software projects.
•Higher non-compensation costs primarily due to the inclusion of commissions to sub-producers of $7, costs associated with the Corolla exchange and junior surplus notes exchange transactions, a UK Value Added Tax refund in 2020 and increased software and legal fees.
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 59 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
Interest Expense. Interest expense includes accrued interest on the LSNI Ambac Note, Tier 2 notes, surplus notes and other debt obligations. Additionally, interest expense includes discount accretion when the debt instrument carrying value is at a discount to par. The following table provides details by type of obligation for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Surplus notes (1) | $ | 19 | $ | 24 | $ | 37 | $ | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||
LSNI Ambac note | 24 | 27 | 49 | 58 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Tier 2 notes | 7 | 7 | 13 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | — | 1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest expense | $ | 50 | $ | 58 | $ | 100 | $ | 122 |
(1)Includes junior surplus notes
The decrease in interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, was primarily driven by lower discount accretion on surplus notes, together with optional redemptions and lower rate resets of the floating rate LSNI Ambac Note, partially offset by interest compounding on the surplus notes and the Tier 2 Notes. The first quarter 2021 transactions resulting in the acquisition and retirement of all junior surplus notes in exchange for re-issuance of surplus notes did not significantly impact the interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the prior year periods.
Surplus note principal and interest payments require the approval of OCI. Since the issuance of the surplus notes in 2010, OCI has declined to approve regular payments of interest on surplus notes, although the OCI has permitted two exceptional payments.
In May 2021, OCI declined the request of AAC to pay the principal amount of the surplus notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, on the next scheduled payment date of June 7, 2021. As a result, the scheduled payment date for interest, and the scheduled maturity date for payment of principal of the surplus notes, shall be extended until OCI grants approval to make the payment. Interest will accrue, compounded on each anniversary of the original scheduled payment date or scheduled maturity date, on any unpaid principal or interest through the actual date of payment, at 5.1% per annum. Holders of surplus notes will have no rights to enforce the payment of the principal of, or interest on, surplus notes in the absence of OCI approval to pay such amount. The interest on the outstanding surplus notes and junior surplus notes were accrued for and AAC is accruing interest on the interest amounts following each scheduled payment date. Total accrued and unpaid interest for surplus notes outstanding to third parties were $532 at June 30, 2021.
Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, was $11, an increase of $8 compared to the provision for income taxes reported for three and six months ended June 30, 2020. The change for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, resulted from the impact of the 2021 enactment of an increase in U.K. tax rates on Ambac's deferred tax liability, and state income
tax related to the gains on the Corolla and junior surplus note exchange transactions, and in 2020 Ambac UK losses on investment in pooled funds.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
($ in millions)
($ in millions)
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. ("AFG") Liquidity. AFG's liquidity is primarily dependent on its net assets, excluding its equity investments in subsidiaries totaling $281 as of June 30, 2021, and secondarily on distributions and expense sharing payments from its subsidiaries.
•During the six months ended June 30, 2021, AFG further capitalized the Everspan Group with a cash contribution to Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company of approximately $82.
•Under an inter-company cost allocation agreement, AFG is reimbursed by AAC for a portion of certain operating costs and expenses and, if approved by OCI, entitled to an additional payment of up to $4 per year to cover expenses not otherwise reimbursed. The $4 reimbursement for 2020 expenses was approved (by OCI) and paid (by AAC) in April 2021.
•AFG received its first distribution from Xchange in the second quarter of 2021 for approximately $3.
AFG's investments include securities directly and indirectly issued by and/or insured by AAC, some of which are eliminated in consolidation. Securities issued and/or insured by AAC are generally less liquid than investment grade and other traded investments.
AFG's available liquidity from subsidiary distributions is dependent upon the subsidiaries' earnings, operating cash flow and applicable regulatory and contractual restrictions, as well as the strategic decisions of management.
•It is highly unlikely that AAC will be able to make dividend payments to AFG for the foreseeable future. Therefore, payments under the intercompany cost allocation agreement will be AFG’s principal sources of liquidity from AAC in the near-term. Refer to Part I, Item 1, “Insurance Regulatory Matters — Dividend Restrictions, Including Contractual Restrictions” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and Note 8. Insurance Regulatory Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for more information on dividend payment restrictions.
•Everspan does not have sufficient earned surplus at this time to pay ordinary dividends under the Arizona Insurance Laws. Payments from Everspan to AFG may include expense allocation payments and tax payments.
•Xchange currently does not have any regulatory restrictions on its ability to make distributions.
The principal uses of liquidity include the payment of operating expenses, including costs to explore opportunities to grow and diversify Ambac; the making of investments, which may include
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 60 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
securities issued or insured by AAC or Ambac UK and other less liquid investments; and the acquisition or capitalization of new businesses. Contingencies could cause material liquidity strains.
Ambac Assurance Liquidity. AAC’s liquidity is dependent on the balance of liquid investments and, over time, the net impact of sources and uses of funds. The principal sources of AAC’s liquidity are gross installment premiums on insurance policies; principal and interest payments from investments; sales of investments; proceeds from repayment of affiliate loans; and recoveries on claim payments, including from litigation and reinsurance recoveries. Termination of installment premium policies on an accelerated basis may adversely impact AAC’s liquidity.
The principal uses of AAC’s liquidity are the payment of operating and loss adjustment expenses; claims; commutation payments on insurance policies; ceded reinsurance premiums; principal and interest payments on the LSNI Ambac Note (refinanced by the Sitka AAC Note as described in Note 1. Background and Business Description to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q), surplus notes and Tier 2 Notes; additional loans to affiliates; and purchases of securities and other investments that may not be immediately converted into cash.
•Although AAC has not yet experienced incremental claim payments as a result of the impact of COVID-19, such claims may occur as issuers, particularly those with revenues that have been interrupted by the effects of the pandemic (including social distancing, other restrictions on activities and the increase in unemployment) may not have sufficient cash inflows to pay debt service on Ambac-insured debt. Refer to "Financial Guarantees in Force" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis for further discussion of the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on claim payments.
•Interest and principal payments on surplus notes are subject to the approval of OCI, which has full discretion over payments regardless of the liquidity position of AAC. Any such payment on surplus notes would require either payment or collateralization of a portion of the Tier 2 Notes under the terms of the Tier 2 Note indenture. See Note 13. Long-term Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for further discussion of the payment terms and conditions of the Tier 2 Notes. As discussed more fully in "Results of Operations" above in this Management's Discussion and Analysis, OCI declined AAC's request to pay the principal amount of the surplus notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, on June 7, 2021 and on each prior scheduled payment date.
AAC's intercompany loans are to Ambac Financial Services ("AFS"). AFS uses interest rate derivatives (primarily interest rate swaps and US Treasury futures) as an economic hedge against the effects of rising interest rates elsewhere in the Company, including on AAC’s financial guarantee exposures. AFS's derivatives include interest rate swaps previously provided to asset-backed issuers and other entities in connection with their financings. AAC loans cash and securities to AFS as needed
mostly to fund payments under these derivative contracts and collateral posting requirements. Intercompany loans are governed by an established lending agreement with defined borrowing limits that has received non-disapproval from OCI.
AAC manages its liquidity risk by maintaining comprehensive analyses of projected cash flows and maintaining specified levels of cash and short-term investments at all times.
AAC is limited in its ability to pay dividends pursuant to the terms of its Auction Market Preferred Shares (“AMPS”), which state that dividends may not be paid on the common stock of AAC unless all accrued and unpaid dividends on the AMPS for the then current dividend period have been paid, provided that dividends on the common stock may be made at all times for the purpose of, and only in such amounts as are necessary for enabling AFG (i) to service its indebtedness for borrowed money as such payments become due or (ii) to pay its operating expenses. If dividends are paid on the common stock for such purposes, dividends on the AMPS become cumulative until the date that all accumulated and unpaid dividends have been paid on the AMPS. AAC has not paid dividends on the AMPS since 2010. AAC is also subject to additional restrictions on the payment of dividends pursuant to certain contractual and regulatory restrictions. Refer to Part I, Item 1, “Insurance Regulatory Matters - Dividend Restrictions, Including Contractual Restrictions” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and Note 9. Insurance Regulatory Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for more information on dividend payment restrictions.
Our ability to realize RMBS representation and warranty ("R&W") subrogation recoveries is subject to significant uncertainty, including risks inherent in litigation, including adverse rulings or decisions in our cases or in litigations to which AAC is not a party that set precedents or resolve questions of law that impact our own claims; collectability of such amounts from counterparties (and/or their respective parents and affiliates); timing of receipt of any such recoveries, including uncertainty due to delays in court proceedings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; intervention by the OCI, which could impede our ability to take actions required to realize such recoveries; and uncertainty inherent in the assumptions used in estimating the amount of such recoveries. The amount of these subrogation recoveries is significant and if we are unable to recover any amounts or recover materially less than our estimated recoveries, our future available liquidity to pay claims, debt service and meet our other obligations would be reduced materially. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q, for more information about risks relating to our RMBS R&W subrogation recoveries.
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Cash Flow Statement Discussion. The following table summarizes the net cash flows for the periods presented.
Six Months Ended June 30, | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | (83) | $ | (112) | |||||||
Investing activities | 187 | 270 | |||||||||
Financing activities | (107) | (205) | |||||||||
Foreign exchange impact on cash and cash equivalents | — | — | |||||||||
Net cash flow | $ | (4) | $ | (47) |
Operating activities
The following represents the significant cash operating activity during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
•Debt service payments on the LSNI Ambac Note were $49 and $58 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
•Receipts (payments) for operating activities related to interest rate derivatives were $(3) and $(19) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
•Operating expenses were $45 and $44 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
•Cash provided by the investment portfolio was $44 and $58 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
•Net loss and loss expenses paid, including commutation payments, during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are detailed below:
Six Months Ended June 30, | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Net loss and loss expenses paid (recovered): | |||||||||||
Net losses paid | $ | 54 | $ | 64 | |||||||
Net subrogation received | (54) | (56) | |||||||||
Net loss expenses paid | 38 | 53 | |||||||||
Net cash flow | $ | 38 | $ | 61 |
Future operating cash flows will primarily be impacted by interest payments on outstanding debt, claim and expense payments, investment coupon receipts and premium collections.
Financing Activities
Financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021, include paydowns of the LSNI Ambac Note of $16 and paydowns and maturities of VIE debt obligations of $85.
Financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020, include paydowns of the LSNI Ambac Note of $103 and paydowns and maturities of VIE debt obligations of $99.
Collateral
AFS hedges a portion of the interest rate risk in the financial guarantee and investment portfolio, along with legacy customer interest rate swaps, with standardized derivative contracts, including financial futures contracts, which contain collateral or margin requirements. Under these hedge agreements, AFS is required to post collateral or margin to its counterparties and
futures commission merchants to cover unrealized losses. In addition, AFS is required to post collateral or margin in excess of the amounts needed to cover unrealized losses. All AFS derivative contracts containing ratings-based downgrade triggers that could result in collateral or margin posting or a termination have been triggered. If terminations were to occur, AFS would be required to make termination payments but would also receive a return of collateral or margin in the form of cash or U.S. Treasury obligations with market values equal to or in excess of market values of the swaps and futures contracts. AFS may look to re-establish hedge positions that are terminated early, resulting in additional collateral or margin obligations. The amount of additional collateral or margin posted on derivatives contracts will depend on several variables including the degree to which counterparties exercise their termination rights (or agreements terminate automatically) and the terms on which hedges can be replaced. All collateral and margin obligations are currently met. Collateral and margin posted by AFS totaled a net amount of $134 (cash and securities collateral of $14 and $120, respectively), including independent amounts, under these contracts at June 30, 2021.
Ambac Credit Products (“ACP”) is not required to post collateral under any of its outstanding credit derivative contracts.
BALANCE SHEET
($ in millions)
($ in millions)
Total assets decreased by approximately $313 from December 31, 2020, to $12,907 at June 30, 2021, primarily due to the payment of loss and loss expenses, interest and operating expenses, lower subrogation recoverables, lower consolidated VIE assets from paydowns of consolidated VIE liabilities, and the impact of the Corolla Trust Exchange described in Note 1. Background and Business Description to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q. Other significant changes during the six months ended June 30, 2021, were from partial redemptions of the LSNI Ambac Note, lower derivative assets caused by rising interest rates, and lower premium receivables and intangible assets from the continued runoff of the financial guarantee insurance portfolio.
Total liabilities decreased by approximately $310 from December 31, 2020, to $11,764 as of June 30, 2021, primarily due to the payment of loss and loss expenses, lower VIE and non-VIE long-term debt (from the surplus note exchange transactions and partial redemptions of the LSNI Ambac Note) and lower derivative liabilities caused by rising interest rates.
As of June 30, 2021, total stockholders’ equity was $1,123, compared with total stockholders’ equity of $1,140 at December 31, 2020. This decrease was primarily due to the $14 increase to the carrying value of redeemable NCI which is offset directly against retained earnings.
Investment Portfolio.
Ambac's investment portfolio is managed under established guidelines designed to meet the investment objectives of AAC, Everspan Group, Ambac UK and AFG. Refer to "Description of the Business — Investments and Investment Policy" located in Part I. Item 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
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the year ended December 31, 2020, for further description of Ambac's investment policies and applicable regulations.
Refer to Note 9. Investments to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q for information about Ambac's consolidated investment portfolio. Ambac's investment policies and objectives do not apply to the assets of VIEs consolidated as a result of financial guarantees written by its insurance subsidiaries.
The following table summarizes the composition of Ambac’s investment portfolio, excluding VIE investments, at carrying value at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities | $ | 2,253 | $ | 2,317 | ||||||||||
Short-term | 416 | 492 | ||||||||||||
Other investments | 657 | 595 | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral | 120 | 140 | ||||||||||||
Total investments (1) | $ | 3,447 | $ | 3,544 |
(1) Includes investments denominated in non-US dollar currencies with a fair value of £314 ($433) and €43 ($51) as of June 30, 2021, and £317 ($434) and €39 ($48) as of December 31, 2020.
Ambac invests in various asset classes in its fixed maturity securities portfolio. Other investments primarily consist of diversified interests in pooled funds. Refer to Note 9. Investments to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q for information about fixed maturity securities and pooled funds by asset class.
The following charts provide the ratings (1) distribution of the fixed maturity investment portfolio based on fair value at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(1)Ratings are based on the lower of Moody’s or S&P ratings. If ratings are unavailable from Moody's or S&P, Fitch ratings are used. If guaranteed, rating represents the higher of the underlying or guarantor’s financial strength rating.
(2)Below investment grade and not rated bonds insured by Ambac represent 43% and 41% of the June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 combined fixed maturity portfolio, respectively.
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Premium Receivables. Ambac's premium receivables decreased to $345 at June 30, 2021, from $370 at December 31, 2020. As further discussed in Note 6. Insurance Contracts, the decrease is due to premium receipts and adjustments for changes in expected and contractual cash flows on financial guarantee insurance contracts, partially offset by decreases to the allowance for credit losses and accretion of the premium receivable discount.
Premium receivables by payment currency were as follows:
Currency | Premium Receivable in Payment Currency | Premium Receivable in U.S. Dollars | ||||||||||||
U.S. Dollars | $ | 206 | $ | 207 | ||||||||||
British Pounds | £ | 88 | 122 | |||||||||||
Euros | € | 13 | 16 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 345 |
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses. Ambac has reinsurance in place pursuant to surplus share treaty and facultative agreements. To minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurers, Ambac (i) monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers; (ii) is entitled to receive collateral from its reinsurance counterparties under certain reinsurance contracts; and (iii) has certain cancellation rights that can be exercised by Ambac in the event of rating agency downgrades of a reinsurer (among other events and circumstances). Ambac benefited from letters of credit and collateral amounting to approximately $114 from its reinsurers at June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses were $30 and $33, respectively. The decrease was primarily a result of favorable loss development.
Intangible Asset. Intangible assets include (i) an insurance intangible asset that was established at the Fresh Start Reporting Date, representing the difference between the fair value and aggregate carrying value of the financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance assets and liabilities and (ii) intangible assets established as part of the acquisition of Xchange on December 31, 2020.
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the intangible assets were $377 and $409, respectively. Other than through amortization, variance in the insurance intangible asset is solely from translation gains (losses) from the consolidation of Ambac's foreign subsidiary (Ambac UK).
Derivative Assets and Liabilities. The interest rate derivative portfolio is positioned to benefit from rising rates as a partial economic hedge against interest rate exposure in the financial guarantee and investment portfolios. Derivative assets decreased from $93 at December 31, 2020, to $82 as of June 30, 2021. Derivative liabilities decreased from $114 at December 31, 2020, to $98 as of June 30, 2021. The net decreases resulted primarily from higher interest rates during the six months ended June 30, 2021, with the effect on assets partially offset by lower counterparty credit adjustments.
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable. Loss and loss expense reserves are based upon estimates of the ultimate aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative portfolio for insurance policies issued to beneficiaries, excluding consolidated VIEs.
The evaluation process for determining the level of reserves is subject to certain estimates and judgments. Refer to the "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" and “Results of Operations” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in addition to Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies and Loss Reserves sections included in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6. Insurance Contracts, respectively, of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for further information on loss and loss expenses.
The loss and loss expense reserves, net of subrogation recoverables and before reinsurance as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were $(456) and $(397), respectively.
Loss and loss expense reserves are included in the Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
Balance Sheet Line Item | Claims and Loss Expenses (1) | Recoveries (2) | Unearned Premium Revenue | Gross Loss and Loss Expense Reserves | ||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss and loss expense reserves | $ | 1,881 | $ | (180) | $ | (59) | $ | 1,641 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subrogation recoverable | 90 | (2,188) | — | (2,098) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Totals | $ | 1,971 | $ | (2,368) | $ | (59) | $ | (456) | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss and loss expense reserves | $ | 2,060 | $ | (229) | $ | (72) | $ | 1,759 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subrogation recoverable | 100 | (2,256) | — | (2,156) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Totals | $ | 2,160 | $ | (2,485) | $ | (72) | $ | (397) |
(1)Includes a deminimus amount of loss and loss expense reserves for specialty property and casualty business.
(2)Present value of future recoveries includes R&W subrogation recoveries of $1,741 and $1,751 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
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Financial Guarantee:
Ambac has exposure to various bond types issued in the debt capital markets. Our experience has shown that, for the majority of bond types, we have not experienced significant claims. The bond types that have experienced significant claims, including through commutations, are residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), student loan securities and public finance securities. These bond types represent 93% of our ever-to-date insurance claims recorded, with RMBS comprising 75%. The table below indicates gross par outstanding and the components of gross loss and loss expense reserves related to policies in Ambac’s gross loss and loss expense reserves at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: :
Gross Par Outstanding (1)(2) | Present Value of Expected Net Cash Flows | Unearned Premium Revenue | Gross Loss and Loss Expense Reserves (1)(3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Claims and Loss Expenses | Recoveries | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Structured Finance | $ | 2,647 | $ | 871 | $ | (2,069) | $ | (13) | $ | (1,211) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Domestic Public Finance | 3,004 | 1,011 | (293) | (36) | 682 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 894 | 37 | (6) | (10) | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss expenses | — | 52 | — | — | 52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Totals | $ | 6,545 | $ | 1,971 | $ | (2,368) | $ | (59) | $ | (456) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Structured Finance | $ | 2,945 | $ | 940 | $ | (2,136) | $ | (16) | $ | (1,212) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Domestic Public Finance | $ | 3,016 | $ | 1,112 | $ | (349) | $ | (39) | $ | 724 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | $ | 1,612 | $ | 40 | $ | — | $ | (17) | $ | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss expenses | $ | — | $ | 68 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,573 | $ | 2,160 | $ | (2,485) | $ | (72) | $ | (397) |
(1) Ceded par outstanding on policies with loss reserves and ceded loss and loss expense reserves are $781 and $30 respectively, at June 30, 2021, and $739 and $33, respectively at December 31, 2020. Recoverable ceded loss and loss expense reserves are included in Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses on the balance sheet.
(2) Gross Par Outstanding includes capital appreciation bonds, which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bond.
(3) Loss reserves are included in the balance sheet as Loss and loss expense reserves or Subrogation recoverable dependent on if a policy is in a net liability or net recoverable position.
Variability of Expected Losses and Recoveries
Ambac’s management believes that the estimated future loss component of loss reserves (present value of expected net cash flows) are adequate to cover future claims presented, but there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability will not be higher than such estimates.
It is possible that our estimated future losses for insurance policies discussed above could be understated or that our estimated future recoveries could be overstated. We have attempted to identify possible cash flows related to losses and recoveries using more stressful assumptions than the probability-weighted outcome recorded. The possible net cash flows consider the highest stress scenario that was utilized in the development of our probability-weighted expected loss at June 30, 2021, and assumes an inability to execute any commutation transactions with issuers and/or investors. Such stress scenarios are developed based on management’s view about all possible outcomes relating to losses and recoveries. In arriving at such view, management makes considerable judgments about the possibility of various future events. Although we do not believe it is possible to have stressed outcomes in all cases, it is possible that we could have stress case outcomes in some or even many cases. See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A as well as the descriptions of "RMBS Variability," "Public Finance Variability," "Student Loan Variability," and "Other Credits, including Ambac UK,
Variability," in Part II, Item 7 of the Company's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the risks relating to future losses and recoveries that could result in more highly stressed outcomes, and "Risk Factors" in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as the descriptions of "RMBS Variability," "Public Finance Variability," "Student Loan Variability," and "Other Credits, including Ambac UK, Variability" appearing below.
The occurrence of these stressed outcomes individually or collectively would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and may result in materially adverse consequence for the Company, including (without limitation) impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; decreased likelihood of AAC delivering value to AFG, through dividends or otherwise; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by AFG or AAC.
Structured Finance Variability
RMBS:
Ambac has exposure to the U.S. mortgage market primarily through direct financial guarantees of RMBS, including transactions collateralized by first and second lien mortgages.
Changes to assumptions that could make our reserves under-estimated include an increase in interest rates, deterioration in
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 65 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
housing prices, poor servicing, government intervention into the functioning of the mortgage market and the effect of a weakened economy characterized by growing unemployment and wage pressures. We utilize a model to project losses in our RMBS exposures and changes to reserves, either upward or downward, are not unlikely if we used a different model or methodology to project losses.
We established a representation and warranty subrogation recovery as further discussed in Note 6. Insurance Contracts to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q. Our ability to realize RMBS representation and warranty recoveries is subject to significant uncertainty, including risks inherent in litigation, including adverse rulings or decisions in our cases or in litigations to which AAC is not a party that set precedents or resolve questions of law that impact our own claims; collectability of such amounts from counterparties (and/or their respective parents and affiliates); delays in realizing such recoveries, including as a result of trial delays due to court closures related to COVID-19 or other events; intervention by the OCI, which could impede our ability to take actions required to realize such recoveries; and uncertainty inherent in the assumptions used in estimating such recoveries. Additionally, our R&W actual subrogation recoveries could be significantly lower than our estimate of $1,715, net of reinsurance, as of June 30, 2021, if the sponsors of these transactions: (i) fail to honor their obligations to repurchase the mortgage loans, (ii) successfully dispute our breach findings or claims for damages, (iii) no longer have the financial means to fully satisfy their obligations under the transaction documents, or (iv) our pursuit of recoveries is otherwise unsuccessful. Failure to realize R&W subrogation recoveries for any reason or the realization of R&W subrogation recoveries materially below the amount recorded on Ambac's consolidated balance sheet would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
In the case of both first and second-lien exposures, the possible stress case assumes a lower housing price appreciation projection, which in turn drives higher defaults and severities. Using this approach, the possible increase in loss reserves for RMBS credits for which we have an estimate of expected loss at June 30, 2021, could be approximately $10. Combined with the absence of any R&W subrogation recoveries, a possible increase in loss reserves for RMBS could be approximately $1,725. A loss of this
magnitude may render AAC insolvent. Additionally, loss payments are sensitive to changes in interest rates, increasing as interest rates rise. For example, an increase in interest rates of 0.50% could increase our estimate of expected losses by approximately $30. There can be no assurance that losses may not exceed such amounts. Additionally, the RMBS portfolio is sensitive to the COVID-19 related forbearances and delinquencies caused by the general economic downturn. Due to the uncertainties related to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other risks associated with RMBS, there can be no assurance that losses may not exceed our stress case estimates.
Student Loans:
Changes to assumptions that could make our reserves under-estimated include, but are not limited to, increases in interest rates, default rates and loss severities on the collateral due to economic or other factors, including the COVID-19 related economic impact. Such factors may include lower recoveries on defaulted loans or additional losses on collateral or trust assets, including as a result of any enforcement actions by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. For student loan credits for which we have an estimate of expected loss at June 30, 2021, the possible increase in loss reserves could be approximately $20. Additionally, an increase in interest rates of 0.50% could increase our estimate of expected losses by approximately $15. Additionally, the student loan portfolio is sensitive to COVID-19 related payment moratoriums and delinquencies caused by the general economic downturn. There can be no assurance that losses may not exceed our stress case estimates.
Public Finance Variability:
Ambac’s U.S. public finance portfolio consists predominantly of municipal bonds such as general, revenue, lease and tax-backed obligations of state and local government entities; however, the portfolio also includes a wide array of non-municipal types of bonds, including financings for not-for-profit entities and transactions with public and private elements, which generally finance infrastructure, housing and other public purpose facilities and interests. The decrease in public finance gross loss reserves at June 30, 2021, as compared to December 31, 2020, was primarily related to claim payments. Total public finance gross loss reserves and related gross par outstanding on Ambac insured obligations by bond type were as follows:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuer Type | Gross Par Outstanding (1) | Gross Loss Reserves | Gross Par Outstanding (1) | Gross Loss Reserves | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Lease and tax-backed | $ | 1,388 | $ | 650 | $ | 1,366 | $ | 693 | ||||||||||||||||||
General obligation | 564 | (31) | 589 | (37) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Housing | 453 | 24 | 453 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transportation revenue | 217 | 28 | 220 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 382 | 11 | 388 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,004 | $ | 682 | $ | 3,016 | $ | 724 |
(1) Gross Par Outstanding includes capital appreciation bonds, which are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bond.
It is possible our loss reserves for public finance credits may be under-estimated if issuers are faced with prolonged exposure to
adverse political, judicial, economic, fiscal or socioeconomic events or trends. Additionally, our loss reserves may be under-
| Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 66 2021 Second Quarter FORM 10-Q |
estimated as a result of the ultimate scope, duration and magnitude of the effects of COVID-19. The COVID-19 related economic downturn has put a strain on municipal issuers, particularly those dependent upon narrow sources of revenues or dedicated taxes to support debt service, such as hotel occupancy taxes, sales taxes, parking revenues, tolls, licensing fees, etc. A prolonged recovery from the COVID-19 related economic impact could put additional stresses on these issuers as well as other types of municipal finance issuers and result in increased defaults and potential additional losses for Ambac.
Our experience with the city of Detroit in 2013 in its bankruptcy proceeding was not favorable and renders future outcomes with other public finance issuers even more difficult to predict and may increase the risk that we may suffer losses that could be sizable. We agreed to settlements regarding our insured Detroit general obligation bonds that provide better treatment of our exposures than the city planned to include in its plan of adjustment, but nevertheless required us to incur a loss for a significant portion of our exposure. An additional troubling precedent in the Detroit case, as well as other municipal bankruptcies, is the preferential treatment of certain creditor classes, especially the public pensions. The cost of pensions and the need to address frequently sizable unfunded or underfunded pensions is often a key driver of stress for many municipalities and their related authorities, including entities to whom we have significant exposure, such as Chicago's school district, the State of New Jersey and many others. Less severe treatment of pension obligations in bankruptcy may lead to worse outcomes for traditional debt creditors.
Variability of outcomes applies even to what is generally considered more secure municipal financings, such as dedicated sales tax revenue bonds that capture sales tax revenues for debt service ahead of any amounts being deposited into the general fund of an issuer. In the case of the Puerto Rico COFINA sales tax bonds that were part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's Title III proceedings, AAC and other creditors agreed to settle at a recovery rate equal to about 93% of pre-petition amounts owed on the Ambac insured senior COFINA bonds. In the COFINA case, the senior bonds still received a reduction or "haircut" despite the existence of junior COFINA bonds, which received a recovery rate equal to about 56% of pre-petition amounts owed.
In addition, municipal entities may be more inclined to use bankruptcy to resolve their financial stresses if they believe preferred outcomes for various creditor groups can be achieved. We expect municipal bankruptcies and defaults to continue to be challenging to project given the unique political, economic, fiscal, legal, governance and public policy differences among municipalities as well as the complexity, long duration and relative infrequency of the cases themselves in forums with a scarcity of legal precedent.
Another potentially adverse development that could cause the loss reserves on our public finance credits to be underestimated is deterioration in the municipal bond market, resulting from reduced or limited access to alternative forms of credit (such as bank loans) or other exogenous factors, such as changes in tax law that could reduce certain municipal investors' appetite for tax-exempt municipal bonds or put pressure on issuers in states with high state and local taxes. These factors as well as budgetary
pressures at the state and local level related to the cost of fighting the virus could deprive issuers access to funding at a level necessary to avoid defaulting on their obligations.
In addition, a judicial decision in connection with the PRHTA Title III proceedings could cause the loss reserves on our public finance credits to be underestimated. On January 13, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari arising out of an appeal of the March 26, 2019, ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. In the ruling, the First Circuit affirmed the decision by the U.S. District Court overseeing the PROMESA Title III proceedings for the PRHTA, which found that under Sections 928(a) and 922(d) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, municipal issuers of revenue bonds secured by special revenues are permitted, but not required, to apply special revenues to pay debt service on such revenue bonds during the pendency of bankruptcy proceedings for such municipal issuers. The First Circuit's decision challenges what had been a commonly understood notion in the municipal finance marketplace that municipal revenue bondholders secured by special revenues (as defined in Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code) would continue to receive payment during a bankruptcy of the municipal issuer. This decision introduces uncertainty into the public finance market and it may make it more difficult for municipal instrumentalities to procure revenue bond financings in the future and increases the credit risk to bondholders of existing special revenue bonds, particularly those from weaker issuers.
While our loss reserves consider our judgment regarding issuers’ financial flexibility to adapt to adverse markets, they may not adequately capture sudden, unexpected or protracted uncertainty that adversely affects market conditions, such as the developing COVID-19 related economic impact.
Our exposures to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are under stress arising from the Commonwealth’s weak financial condition and economy, loss of capital markets access, the severe damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria and other natural disasters as well as a narrow view on available debt capacity being taken by the Oversight Board and Commonwealth government. These factors, taken together with the payment moratorium on debt service of the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities; ongoing PROMESA Title III proceedings; certain other provisions under PROMESA; expected restructurings of debt insured by AAC, uncertainty with regards to AAC's valuation of the contingent value instruments or CVI to be made available as part of a final Plan of Adjustment; and the possibility of protracted litigation as a result of which our rights may be materially impaired, may cause losses to exceed current reserves in a material manner. See "Financial Guarantees in Force" section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part II, Item 7 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for further details on the legal, economic and fiscal developments that have impacted or may impact AAC’s insured Puerto Rico bonds. In this Form 10-Q, refer to "Financial Guarantees in Force" in Part I, Item 2 in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Note 6. Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 12. Commitments
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and Contingencies to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further updates related to Puerto Rico.
Material additional losses on our public finance credits caused by the aforementioned factors, including the possibility of a protracted recovery related to the COVID-19 crisis would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. For the public finance credits, including Puerto Rico, for which we have an estimate of expected loss at June 30, 2021, the possible increase in loss reserves could be approximately $545. However, there can be no assurance that losses may not exceed our stress case estimates. Among other things, this estimate includes the possibility that the amended Commonwealth plan of adjustment (as discussed above in the Financial Guarantees in Force section of this Management Discussion and Analysis) were to become effective.
Other Variability:
It is possible our loss reserves on other types of credits, including those insured by Ambac UK, may be under-estimated because of various risks that vary widely, including the risk that we may not be able to recover or mitigate losses through our remediation processes. For all other credits, including Ambac UK, for which we have an estimate of expected loss, the sum of all the highest stress case loss scenarios is approximately $365 greater than the loss reserves at June 30, 2021. Additionally, our loss reserves may be under-estimated as a result of the ultimate scope, duration and magnitude of the effects of COVID-19. There can be no assurance that losses may not exceed our stress case estimates.
Long-term Debt:
Long-term debt consists of surplus notes issued by AAC, the LSNI Ambac Note and Tier 2 Notes issued in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions, and Ambac UK debt issued in connection with the 2019 Ballantyne commutation. The carrying value of each of these as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is below:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
Surplus notes (1) | $ | 712 | $ | 778 | ||||||||||
Ambac note | 1,626 | 1,641 | ||||||||||||
Tier 2 notes | 319 | 306 | ||||||||||||
Ambac UK debt | 14 | 14 | ||||||||||||
Total Long-term Debt | $ | 2,671 | $ | 2,739 |
(1)Includes junior surplus notes as of December 31, 2020. All junior surplus notes were acquired and retired in the first quarter of 2021.
The decrease in long-term debt from December 31, 2020, resulted form the impacts of the surplus notes exchanges of $71 and optional LSNI Ambac Note redemption of $16, partially offset by the accretion on the carrying value of surplus notes, Tier 2 Notes and Ambac UK debt.
As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q, on July 6, 2021, Sitka, Ambac's newly formed non-consolidated VIE, issued the Sitka Senior Secured Notes that were used to fund a portion of the full redemption of the LSNI Secured Notes issued by LSNI, with the remaining balance redeemed utilizing other available sources
of liquidity. Comparable to LSNI, the Sitka Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets of Sitka which include a new note receivable from AAC. Following these transactions, the long-term debt consisting of a secured Ambac note decreased by $463 to $1,163.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Please refer to Note 3. Variable Interest Entities to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q and Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4. Variable Interest Entities to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for information regarding variable interest entities.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
The following accounting standards has been issued but has not yet been adopted. We do not expect this standard to have a consequential impact on Ambac's financial statements.
Equity-classified Written Call Options
In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Issuer's Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options. The ASU clarifies and reduces diversity in practice for an issuer's accounting for modifications or exchanges of equity-classified written call options (e.g. warrants) that remain equity-classified after the modification or exchange. The ASU requires an issuer to account for the modification or exchange based on the economic substance of the transaction. For example, if the modification or exchange is related to the issuance of debt or equity, any change in the fair value of the written call option would be accounted for as part of the debt issuance cost in accordance with the debt guidance or equity issuance cost in accordance with the equity guidance, respectively. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Ambac will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2022.
Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. The ASU i) simplifies the accounting for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock by reducing the number of accounting models, and amends certain disclosures, ii) amends and simplifies the derivative scope exception guidance for contracts in an entity's own equity, including share-based compensation, and iii) amends the diluted earnings per share calculations for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity's own equity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Ambac will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2022.
Please refer to Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for a discussion of the impact of other recent accounting
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pronouncements on Ambac’s financial condition and results of operations.
U.S. INSURANCE STATUTORY BASIS FINANCIAL RESULTS ($ in million)
AFG's U.S. insurance subsidiaries prepare financial statements under accounting practices prescribed or permitted by its domiciliary state regulator (“SAP”) for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Accounting Practices and Procedures manual (“NAIC SAP”) is adopted as a component of prescribed practices by each domiciliary state. For further information, see "Ambac Assurance Statutory Basis Financial Results," in Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and Note 9. Insurance Regulatory Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Ambac Assurance Corporation
AAC’s statutory policyholder surplus and qualified statutory capital (defined as the sum of policyholders surplus and mandatory contingency reserves) were $774 and $1,331 at June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to $865 and $1,413 at December 31, 2020, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, statutory policyholder surplus and qualified statutory capital included $853 principal balance of surplus notes outstanding and $138 liquidation preference of preferred stock outstanding. These surplus notes (in addition to related accrued interest of $589 that is not recorded under statutory basis accounting principles); preferred stock; and all other liabilities, including insurance claims, the LSNI Ambac Note (refinanced by the Sitka AAC Note as described in Note 1. Background and Business Description to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q) and the Tier 2 Notes are obligations that, individually and collectively, have claims on the resources of AAC that are senior to AFG's equity and therefore impede AFG's ability to realize residual value and/or receive dividends from AAC.
The significant drivers to the net decrease in policyholder surplus are statutory net losses of $111 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by net investment gains of $30 recorded directly through surplus.
AAC statutory surplus and therefore AFG's ability to realize residual value and/or dividends from AAC is sensitive to multiple factors, including: (i) loss reserve development, (ii) settlements or other resolutions of representation and warranty breach claims at amounts that differ from amounts recorded, including failures to collect such amounts or receive recoveries sufficient to pay or redeem obligations of AAC, including the Sitka AAC Note and Tier 2 Notes, (iii) approval by OCI of payments on surplus notes, (iv) ongoing interest costs associated with the Sitka AAC Note and Tier 2 Notes, including changes to interest rates as the Sitka AAC Note is a floating rate obligation, (v) deterioration in the financial position of AAC subsidiaries that have their obligations guaranteed by AAC, (vi) first time payment defaults of insured obligations, which increase statutory loss reserves, (vii)
commutations of insurance policies or credit derivative contracts at amounts that differ from the amount of liabilities recorded, (viii) reinsurance contract terminations at amounts that differ from net assets recorded, (ix) changes to the fair value of pooled fund and other investments carried at fair value, (x) realized gains and losses, including losses arising from other than temporary impairments of investment securities, and (xi) future changes to prescribed practices.
Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company
Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company’s statutory policyholder surplus was $105 at June 30, 2021, as compared to $26 at December 31, 2020.
The significant drivers to the increase in policyholder surplus were capital contributions of $82 partially offset by operating expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2021.
AMBAC UK FINANCIAL RESULTS UNDER UK ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (£ in millions)
Ambac UK is required to prepare financial statements under FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland." Ambac UK’s shareholder funds under UK GAAP were £430 at June 30, 2021, as compared to £412 at December 31, 2020. At June 30, 2021, the carrying value of cash and investments was £487, an increase from £481 at December 31, 2020. The increase in shareholders’ funds and cash and investments was primarily due to the continued receipt of premiums and investment income, partially offset by loss expenses, foreign exchange losses, operating expenses and tax payments.
Ambac UK is also required to prepare financial information in accordance with the Solvency II Directive. The basis of preparation of this information is significantly different from both US GAAP and UK GAAP.
Available capital resources under Solvency II were a surplus of £238 at June 30, 2021, of which £230 were eligible to meet solvency capital requirements. This is an increase from December 31, 2020, when available capital resources were a surplus of £196 of which £184 were eligible to meet solvency capital requirements. Eligible capital resources at June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, were in comparison to regulatory capital requirements of £250 and £256, respectively. Therefore, Ambac UK remains deficient in terms of compliance with applicable regulatory capital requirements by £20 and £72 at June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. The deficit reduced as at June 30, 2021, due to an increase in eligible capital resources mainly caused by the increase over the period in long term discount rates which reduced the value of technical provision liabilities. The regulators are aware of the deficiency in capital resources as compared to capital requirements and dialogue between Ambac UK management and its regulators remains ongoing with respect to options for addressing the shortcoming, although such options remain few.
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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In addition to reporting the Company’s quarterly financial results in accordance with GAAP, the Company currently reports two non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted earnings and adjusted book value. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are net income attributable to common stockholders for adjusted earnings and Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity for adjusted book value. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of financial performance or financial position that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We are presenting these non-GAAP financial measures because they provide greater transparency and enhanced visibility into the underlying drivers of our business. Adjusted earnings and adjusted book value are not substitutes for the Company’s GAAP reporting, should not be viewed in isolation and may differ from similar reporting provided by other companies, which may define non-GAAP measures differently.
Ambac has a significant U.S. tax net operating loss (“NOL”) that is offset by a full valuation allowance in the GAAP consolidated financial statements. As a result of this and other considerations, we utilized a 0% effective tax rate for non-GAAP adjustments; which is subject to change.
The following paragraphs define each non-GAAP financial measure and describe why it is useful. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure and the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is also presented below.
Adjusted Earnings (Loss). Adjusted earnings (loss) is defined as net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, as reported under GAAP, adjusted on an after-tax basis for the following:
•Non-credit impairment fair value (gain) loss on credit derivatives: Elimination of the non-credit impairment fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives, which is the amount in excess of the present value of the expected estimated credit losses. Such fair value adjustments are affected by, and in part fluctuate with changes in market factors such as interest rates and credit spreads, including the market’s perception of Ambac’s credit risk (“Ambac CVA”), and are not expected to result in an economic gain or loss. These adjustments allow for all financial guarantee contracts to be accounted for consistent with the Financial Services – Insurance Topic of ASC, whether or not they are subject to derivative accounting rules.
•Insurance intangible amortization: Elimination of the amortization of the financial guarantee insurance intangible asset that arose as a result of Ambac’s emergence from bankruptcy and the implementation of Fresh Start reporting. This adjustment ensures that all financial guarantee contracts are accounted for consistent with the provisions of the Financial Services – Insurance Topic of the ASC.
•Foreign exchange (gains) losses: Elimination of the foreign exchange gains (losses) on the re-measurement of assets, liabilities and transactions in non-functional currencies. This adjustment eliminates the foreign exchange gains (losses) on all assets, liabilities and transactions in non-functional currencies, which enables users of our financial statements to better view the results without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of Ambac's operating performance.
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The following table reconciles net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders to the non-GAAP measure, Adjusted Earnings (loss) on a dollar amount and per diluted share basis, for all periods presented:
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in millions, except share data) | $ Amount | Per Diluted Share (1) | $ Amount | Per Diluted Share | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (29) | $ | (0.63) | $ | (35) | $ | (0.77) | |||||||||||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-credit impairment fair value (gain) loss on credit derivatives | — | — | (1) | (0.01) | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance intangible amortization | 13 | 0.28 | 14 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gains) losses | 2 | 0.05 | (2) | (0.04) | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted earnings (loss) | $ | (13) | $ | (0.30) | $ | (24) | $ | (0.52) | |||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in millions, except share data) | $ Amount | Per Diluted Share | $ Amount | Per Diluted Share | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (12) | $ | (0.54) | $ | (315) | $ | (6.83) | |||||||||||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-credit impairment fair value (gain) loss on credit derivatives | — | — | 1 | 0.02 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance intangible amortization | 31 | 0.68 | 27 | 0.58 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 7 | 0.16 | (2) | (0.04) | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted earnings (loss) | $ | 27 | $ | 0.30 | $ | (289) | $ | (6.27) |
(1) Per Diluted share includes the impact of adjusting redeemable noncontrolling interest to its redemption value
Adjusted Book Value. Adjusted book value is defined as Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity as reported under GAAP, adjusted for after-tax impact of the following:
•Non-credit impairment fair value losses on credit derivatives: Elimination of the non-credit impairment fair value loss on credit derivatives, which is the amount in excess of the present value of the expected estimated economic credit loss. GAAP fair values are affected by, and in part fluctuate with, changes in market factors such as interest rates, credit spreads, including Ambac’s CVA that are not expected to result in an economic gain or loss. These adjustments allow for all financial guarantee contracts to be accounted for within adjusted book value consistent with the provisions of the Financial Services—Insurance Topic of the ASC, whether or not they are subject to derivative accounting rules.
•Insurance intangible asset: Elimination of the financial guarantee insurance intangible asset that arose as a result of Ambac’s emergence from bankruptcy and the implementation of Fresh Start reporting. This adjustment ensures that all financial guarantee contracts are accounted for within adjusted book value consistent with the provisions of the Financial Services—Insurance Topic of the ASC.
•Net unearned premiums and fees in excess of expected losses: Addition of the value of the unearned premium
revenue ("UPR") on financial guarantee contracts, in excess of expected losses, net of reinsurance. This non-GAAP adjustment presents the economics of UPR and expected losses for financial guarantee contracts on a consistent basis. In accordance with GAAP, stockholders’ equity reflects a reduction for expected losses only to the extent they exceed UPR. However, when expected losses are less than UPR for a financial guarantee contract, neither expected losses nor UPR have an impact on stockholders’ equity. This non-GAAP adjustment adds UPR in excess of expected losses, net of reinsurance, to stockholders’ equity for financial guarantee contracts where expected losses are less than UPR.
•Net unrealized investment (gains) losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: Elimination of the unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments that are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The AOCI component of the fair value adjustment on the investment portfolio may differ from realized gains and losses ultimately recognized by the Company based on the Company’s investment strategy. This adjustment only allows for such gains and losses in adjusted book value when realized.
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The following table reconciles Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity to the non-GAAP measure Adjusted Book Value on a dollar amount and per share basis, for all periods presented:
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in millions, except share data) | $ Amount | Per Share | $ Amount | Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,063 | $ | 23.01 | $ | 1,080 | $ | 23.57 | |||||||||||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-credit impairment fair value losses on credit derivatives | — | 0.01 | — | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance intangible asset | (343) | (7.42) | (373) | (8.14) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net unearned premiums and fees in excess of expected losses | 337 | 7.29 | 378 | 8.24 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment (gains) losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | (168) | (3.64) | (166) | (3.63) | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted book value | $ | 889 | $ | 19.25 | $ | 919 | $ | 20.05 |
The decrease in Adjusted Book Value was primarily attributable to the $14 reduction to retained earnings from the increase to the carrying value of redeemable NCI, the impact on expected future premiums from reinsurance and de-risking transactions and the Adjusted loss for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (excluding earned premium previously included in Adjusted Book Value).
Factors that impact changes to Adjusted Book Value include many of the same factors that impact Adjusted Earnings, including the majority of revenues and expenses, but generally exclude components of premium earnings since they are embedded in prior period's Adjusted Book Value through the net unearned premiums and fees in excess of expected losses adjustment. Net unearned premiums and fees in excess of expected losses will affect Adjusted Book Value for (i) changes to future premium assumptions (e.g. expected term, interest rates, foreign currency rates, time passage), (ii) changes to expected losses for policies which do not exceed their related unearned premiums and (iii) new reinsurance transactions.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk'
As of June 30, 2021, there were no material changes in the market risks that the Company is exposed to since December 31, 2020.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
In connection with the preparation of this second quarter Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out by Ambac’s management, with the participation of Ambac’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of Ambac’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based on its evaluation, Ambac’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of June 30, 2021, Ambac’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2021, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. We have not experienced any significant change to our internal controls over financial reporting despite the fact that our employees are working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continually monitoring and assessing the COVID-19 situation on our internal controls to minimize the impact on their design and operating effectiveness.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Please refer to Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q and Note 17: Commitments and Contingencies in Part II, Item 8 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for a discussion on legal proceedings against Ambac and its subsidiaries.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section, Item 1A to Part I in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are hereby incorporated by reference. These important factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements, including those contained in this report. Please also see the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes to the risk factors we have disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our aforementioned Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as noted below.
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References to the "Secured Notes" and the "Ambac Note" in the "Risk Factors” section, Item 1A to Part I in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 should be understood to refer to the LSNI Secured Notes and LSNI Ambac Note, respectively, for all times prior to the issuance of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes and Sitka AAC Note, respectively, on July 6, 2021 (as described in Note 1. Background and Business Description to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q), and should be understood to refer to the Sitka Senior Secured Notes and Sitka AAC Note, respectively, for all times after the issuance of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes and Sitka AAC Note, respectively, on July 6, 2021.
Our inability to realize the expected recoveries included in our financial statements could adversely impact our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our securities, including the Sitka Senior Secured Notes and Tier 2 Notes.
AAC is pursuing claims in litigation with respect to certain RMBS transactions that it insured. These claims are based on, among other things, representations with respect to the characteristics of the securitized loans, the absence of borrower fraud in the underlying loan pools or other misconduct in the origination process, the compliance of loans with the prevailing underwriting policies, and compliance of the RMBS transaction counterparties with policies and procedures related to loan origination and securitization. In such cases, where contract claims are being pursued, the sponsor of the transaction is contractually obligated to repurchase, cure or substitute collateral for any loan that breaches the representations and warranties. However, generally the sponsors have not honored those obligations and have vigorously defended claims brought against them.
As of June 30, 2021, we have estimated RMBS R&W subrogation recoveries of $1,715 (net of reinsurance) included in our financial statements. These estimated recoveries are based on the contractual claims brought in the aforementioned litigations and represent a probability-weighted estimate of amounts we expect to recover under various possible scenarios. The estimated recoveries we have recorded do not represent the best or the worst possible outcomes with respect to any particular transaction or group of transactions.
There can be no assurance that AAC will be successful in prosecuting its claims in the RMBS litigations. The outcome of any litigation, including the RMBS litigations, is inherently unpredictable, including because of risks intrinsic in the adversarial nature of litigation. Motions made to the court, rulings and appeals - in the cases being prosecuted by AAC or in other relevant cases - could delay or otherwise impact any recovery by AAC. Moreover, rulings that may be adverse to AAC (in any of its RMBS litigations, as well as in other RMBS cases in which it is not a party, including an unrelated RMBS case with an appeal currently pending at the New York Court of Appeals involving issues relevant to AAC’s breach of contract claims) could adversely affect AAC’s ability to pursue its claims or the amount or timing of any recovery, or negatively alter settlement dynamics with RMBS litigation defendants. Any litigation award or settlement may be for an amount less than the amount necessary
(even when combined with other pledged collateral) to pay the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or the Tier 2 Notes, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations and make it more difficult for AAC to repay the Sitka AAC Note (and therefore make it more difficult for the issuer of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes to repay the Sitka Senior Secured Notes) and/or the Tier 2 Notes and/or AAC’s outstanding surplus notes, on a timely basis or at all. In the event that AAC is unable to satisfy its obligations with respect to the Sitka AAC Note (and therefore make it more difficult for the issuer of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes to satisfy its obligations in respect of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes) or the Tier 2 Notes, holders will have the right to foreclose on any available collateral and to sue AAC for failure to make required payments; however, there can be no assurance that the sale of collateral will produce proceeds in an amount sufficient to pay any or all amounts due on the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or the Tier 2 Notes, as the case may be, or that holders will be successful in any litigation seeking payments from AAC. Additionally, while AAC may pursue settlement negotiations, there can be no assurance that any settlement negotiations will materialize or that any settlement agreement can be reached on terms acceptable to AAC, or at all. Depending on the length of time required to resolve these litigations, either through settlement or at trial, AAC could incur greater litigation expenses than currently projected. If a case is brought to trial, AAC’s ultimate recovery would be subject to the additional risks inherent in any trial, including adverse findings or determinations by the trier of fact or the court, which could adversely impact the value of our securities, including the Sitka Senior Secured Notes and the Tier 2 Notes.
Any litigation award is subject to risks of recovery, including that a defendant is unable to pay a judgment that AAC may obtain in litigation. In some instances, AAC also has claims against a parent or an acquirer of the counterparty. However, AAC may not be successful in enforcing its claims against any successor entity.
The RMBS litigations could also be adversely affected if AAC does not have sufficient resources to actively prosecute its claims or becomes subject to rehabilitation, liquidation, conservation or dissolution, or otherwise impaired by actions of OCI.
Our ability to realize the estimated RMBS R&W subrogation recoveries included in our financial statements and the time of the recoveries, if any, is subject to significant uncertainty, including the risks described above and uncertainties inherent in the assumptions used in estimating such recoveries. The amount of these subrogation recoveries is significant and if we were unable to recover all such amounts, our stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2021 would decrease from $1,123 to $(592).
We expect to recover material amounts of claims payments through remediation measures including the litigation described above as well as through cash flows in the securitization structures of transactions that AAC insures. Realization of such expected recoveries is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the rights and defenses of other parties with interests that conflict with AAC’s interests, the performance of the collateral and assets backing the obligations that AAC insures, and the performance of servicers involved in securitizations in which AAC participates as insurer. Additionally, our ability to
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realize recoveries in insured transactions may be impaired if the continuing orders of the Rehabilitation Court are not effective.
Adverse developments with respect to any of the factors described above may cause our recoveries to fall below expectations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including our capital and liquidity, and may result in adverse consequences such as impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; decreased likelihood of AAC delivering value to AFG, through dividends or otherwise; diminished business prospects due to third party concerns about our ability to recover losses; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by AFG or AAC, including the Sitka Senior Secured Notes and the Tier 2 Notes.
There may not be sufficient collateral to pay any or all of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or Tier 2 Notes, and the pledge by AAC of its ownership interest in Ambac UK that secures the Sitka Senior Secured Notes may permit holders of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes to obtain value from the ownership interest in Ambac UK that is not available to other creditors of claimants of AAC.
The Sitka Senior Secured Notes are secured by all assets of Sitka Holdings, LLC ("Sitka"). As a practical matter, the only material asset of Sitka is the note issued by AAC to Sitka (the "Sitka AAC Note"); therefore, the collateral securing the Sitka Senior Secured Notes (the "Secured Notes Collateral") is effectively limited to the Sitka AAC Note and the collateral securing the Sitka AAC Note. In addition to AAC’s right to representation and warranty recoveries in respect of certain RMBS litigations, which is inherently uncertain, the Sitka AAC Note is also secured by the capital stock of Ambac UK. However, there can be no assurance that the fair market value of the capital stock of Ambac UK will not decrease, including significantly.
The Tier 2 Notes are secured by AAC’s right to representation and warranty recoveries in respect of certain RMBS litigations above a threshold of $1.6 billion (the "Tier 2 Notes Collateral"), which is inherently uncertain.
The value of the Secured Notes Collateral and the value of the Tier 2 Notes Collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. Consequently, liquidating the Secured Notes Collateral or the Tier 2 Notes Collateral may not produce proceeds in an amount sufficient to pay any or all amounts due on the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or Tier 2 Notes, respectively.
The estimated fair market value of the Secured Notes Collateral and the estimated fair market value of the Tier 2 Notes Collateral are subject to fluctuations based on factors that include, among others, the ability to sell the collateral in an orderly sale, general economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors, including, in the case of the Secured Notes Collateral, the performance of Ambac UK’s portfolio of insured credits and the performance of its investment portfolio. The amount to be received upon a sale of the Secured Notes Collateral (including a sale of the collateral securing the Sitka AAC Note) or Tier 2 Notes Collateral would be dependent on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the actual fair market value of the collateral at such time and the timing and the manner of the sale,
and the amount that either the collateral agent or AAC receives may not equal or exceed the expected fair market value. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Secured Notes Collateral (including the collateral securing the Sitka AAC Note) or the Tier 2 Notes Collateral can be sold in a short period of time or at all or at acceptable prices to the applicable collateral agent or AAC.
Further, AAC and the Sitka Senior Secured Notes collateral agent’s right to foreclose on the Secured Notes Collateral will be subject to local law, including, with respect to the capital stock of Ambac UK, a requirement to receive the prior approval of the UK insurance regulator for any change in control, and AAC or the collateral agent for the Sitka Senior Secured Notes may not be able to realize or foreclose on such collateral due to foreign law restrictions. Foreclosing on the Secured Notes Collateral may be difficult due to the laws of certain jurisdictions. We cannot assure investors that the jurisdiction applicable to the Secured Notes Collateral will have effective or favorable foreclosure procedures and lien priorities. Any foreclosure proceedings could be subject to lengthy delays, resulting in increased custodial costs, deterioration in the condition of the Secured Notes Collateral and substantial reduction of the value of such collateral.
In the event of rehabilitation, liquidation, conservation, dissolution or other insolvency proceeding, AAC cannot assure holders that the proceeds from any sale or liquidation of the Secured Notes Collateral will be sufficient to pay any or all of AAC’s obligations under the Sitka AAC Note, or that the sale of the Tier 2 Notes Collateral will be sufficient to pay any or all of AAC’s obligations under the Tier 2 Notes. In addition, in the event of any such proceeding, it is possible that the rehabilitator, trustee, or competing creditors will assert that the value of the collateral with respect to the Sitka AAC Note or the Tier 2 Notes, including AAC’s rights to recoveries in respect of RMBS litigations, is less than the then-current principal amount outstanding under the Sitka AAC Note and the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or the Tier 2 Notes (as the case may be) on the date of the rehabilitation filing. Upon a finding by the court overseeing the rehabilitation that the Sitka AAC Note and the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or the Tier 2 Notes (as the case may be) are under-collateralized, the claims in the rehabilitation proceeding with respect to the Sitka AAC Note or the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or the Tier 2 Notes (as the case may be) may be bifurcated between a secured claim up to the value of the collateral and an unsecured claim for any deficiency. As a result, the claims of the holders of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or Tier 2 Notes could be unsecured in whole or in part. The ability of the holders of the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or Tier 2 Notes to realize upon any of the collateral securing the Sitka AAC Note and the Sitka Senior Secured Notes or Tier 2 Notes, as the case may be, may also be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency law limitations or similar limitations applicable in insurance company rehabilitation or liquidation proceedings.
In the event of rehabilitation, liquidation, conservation, dissolution or other insolvency proceeding of AAC, creditors and claimants of AAC other than holders of Sitka Senior Secured Notes will not be entitled to recoveries based on the value of Ambac UK to the extent the security interest of the holders of Sitka Senior Secured Notes in the capital stock of Ambac UK is
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respected and any recoveries based on the value of Ambac UK are fully applied for the benefit of the holders of Sitka Senior Secured Notes. As a result, creditors and claimants of AAC other than holders of Sitka Senior Secured Notes may suffer greater losses in a rehabilitation, liquidation, conservation, dissolution or other insolvency proceeding of AAC than they would have suffered in such a proceeding had the capital stock of Ambac UK not been pledged for the benefit of the holders of Sitka Senior Secured Notes.
AAC insures obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including certain of its authorities and public corporations that are either subject to a Title III bankruptcy protection proceeding under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Stability Act ("PROMESA") or have otherwise suspended debt service payments. AAC has made and may continue to be required to make significant amounts of policy payments over the next several years, the recoverability of which is subject to great uncertainty, which may lead to material permanent losses. While we believe our reserves are adequate to cover losses on Puerto Rico insured bonds, there can be no assurance that AAC may not incur additional losses in the future, particularly given the uncertainty related to the ongoing Title III proceedings and the developing economic, political and legal circumstances in Puerto Rico. Such losses may have a material adverse effect on AAC’s results of operation and financial condition.
AAC has exposure to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the "Commonwealth"), including its authorities and public corporations. Each has its own credit risk profile attributable to, as applicable, discrete revenue sources, direct general obligation pledges and/or general obligation guarantees. AAC had approximately $1,067 of net par exposure to the Commonwealth and these instrumentalities at June 30, 2021. Components of the overall Puerto Rico net par outstanding include capital appreciation bonds that are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the related insurance policy as opposed to the current accreted value of the bonds. The outstanding net insured amount including accretion on capital appreciation bonds is approximately $1,287 at June 30, 2021. Total net insured debt service outstanding (net par and interest) to the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities was approximately $2,486 at June 30, 2021.
As a result of the developments described in this Risk Factor and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (see Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Guarantees in Force, and Note 6. Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q), the Commonwealth and certain of its instrumentalities are continuing to default on debt service payments, including payments owed on bonds insured by AAC. AAC has made, and may continue to be required to make, significant amounts of policy payments over the next several years, the recoverability of which is subject to great uncertainty, which may lead to material permanent losses. Our exposure to Puerto Rico is impacted by the amount of monies available for debt service, which is in turn affected by a number of factors including variability in economic growth and demographic trends, tax revenues, changes in law or the effects
thereof, essential services expense, federal funding of Commonwealth needs as well as interpretation of legislation, legal documents, and updated financial information (when available).
Substantial uncertainty also exists with respect to the ultimate outcome for creditors in Puerto Rico due to the July 30, 2021, Seventh Amended Title III Joint Plan of Adjustment of the Commonwealth ("Seventh Amended POA") or changes thereto, including whether or not the plan is confirmed and implemented and as to the ultimate recovery value of the consideration made available to creditors under various plan support agreements underpinning the Seventh Amended POA, which include contingent value instruments or CVI, the value which is entirely dependent upon the outperformance of certain tax revenues versus projections in the Commonwealth fiscal plans. In addition, uncertainty exists as it relates to legislation enacted by the Commonwealth and the United States, including PROMESA, as well as actions taken in reliance on such laws, including Title III filings.
Given the numerous uncertainties and risks existing with respect to the restructuring process, outcomes associated with the Seventh Amended POA, the July 27, 2021 PRIFA Related Plan Support Agreement (“PRIFA PSA”), the July 12, 2021, Amended and Restated Plan Support Agreement (“Amended and Restated GO/PBA PSA”), and the May 5, 2021, the PRHTA/CCDA Related Plan Support Agreement (“PRHTA/CCDA PSA”), no assurance can be given that ultimate debt service discounts will not be more severe than those implied by the Seventh Amended POA and cause AAC to experience losses materially exceeding current reserves.
As of July 27, 2021, AAC had signed on to the PRIFA PSA, the Amended and Restated GO/PBA PSA and the PRHTA/CCDA PSA.
It is possible that certain restructuring process solutions, together with associated legislation, budgetary, and/or public policy proposals could be adopted and could significantly further impair our exposures or impact the value of the creditor consideration, including new GO and PRHTA bonds and CVI, proposed in the Seventh Amended POA and various plan support agreements. In addition, there are possible final legal determinations that could result in losses exceeding our current reserves by a material amount and further increases to our loss reserves. In particular, in a Title III process, should court-approved plans of adjustment for the Commonwealth, the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority ("PRHTA"), the Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority ("PBA") or any other issuers of AAC’s insured debt that may or may not file for Title III protection contemplate discounts to debt service implied by, or even worse than, the most recently certified Commonwealth fiscal plan (April 23, 2021) (the “Commonwealth Fiscal Plan”) or should AAC receive unfavorable judgments in the litigations to which it is a party (though most are currently stayed), AAC’s financial condition would be materially adversely affected.
For example, under the PRIFA PSA that was signed on July 27, 2021, by the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, AAC, FGIC, and other holders of
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PRIFA bonds, PRIFA creditors will receive, on account of approximately $1,900 of allowed claims arising from PRIFA bonds, consideration in the form of (a) $193.5 in cash and (ii) a CVI premised on outperformance of general fund rum tax collections relative to the certified 2021 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projection (the "Rum Tax CVI"). The Rum Tax CVI is subject to a lifetime nominal cap of about $1,300, and is also subject to various permitted rum tax waterfall deductions and caps on distributions. Both the cash consideration and the Rum Tax CVI will be deposited into a trust held for the benefit of PRIFA bondholders (the "PRIFA Trust"); the PRIFA Trust will also be funded with an approximately 27% share of the Clawback CVI (described below), which is tied to potential cash payments related to the outperformance of the Commonwealth's sales and use tax ("SUT") against the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections. The lifetime sum of Rum Tax CVI and the Clawback CVI cannot exceed the $1,300 lifetime nominal cap. The value of the PRIFA Trust is highly uncertain given the contingent, outperformance-driven structure of the instrument coupled with the likely back-ended nature of most of the potential cash flows.
In addition, the Amended and Restated GO/PBA PSA, dated July 12, 2021, between the Oversight Board, as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, PBA, and the Employee Retirement System of the Government of Puerto Rico ("ERS"), Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. ("Assured"), National Public Finance Guarantee Corp. ("National"), Syncora Guarantee Inc., and certain holders of GO and PBA bonds, which AAC joined on July 27, 2021, provides for lower Commonwealth debt service payments per annum relative to the Plan Support Agreement signed in February 2020 (the "Amended GO/PBA PSA"), extends the tenor of new recovery bonds, increases the amount of cash distributed to creditors, and provides additional consideration in the form of a CVI, intended to provide creditors with additional returns tied to outperformance of the SUT against the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections. Fixed consideration as part of the Amended and Restated GO/PBA PSA includes a combination of cash, new GO current interest bonds, and new GO capital appreciation bonds. Recovery derived from fixed consideration is estimated to vary between approximately 67% and 77% (as of the petition date) for GO creditors, and between approximately 75% and 80% (as of the petition date) for PBA creditors.
The PRHTA/CCDA PSA, dated May 5, 2021, between the Oversight Board as representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and PRHTA, Assured, National, and certain holders of PRHTA and CCDA bonds, which AAC joined on July 15, 2021, provides consideration for holders of PRHTA and CCDA bonds on account of their claims against the Commonwealth consists of interests of approximately 69% and 4%, respectively, of a contingent value instrument tied to the outperformance of the SUT against the certified 2020 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan's projections (the "Clawback CVI"). The Clawback CVI outperformance measures are subject to a lifetime nominal cap of 75% of the allowed PRHTA and CCDA claims under the Commonwealth plan of adjustment. The value of the Clawback CVI is highly uncertain given the contingent, outperformance-
driven structure of the instrument coupled with the likelihood that cash flows in later years (years 23 through 30) will significantly exceed those in earlier years. In addition, under the PRHTA/CCDA PSA, the PRHTA creditors will also receive new PRHTA bonds with a face amount of $1,245 and $389 of cash proceeds, including a $264 interim distribution, payable at the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment. Of the $264 interim cash distribution, $184.8 will be allocated to holders of PRHTA '68 bonds and $79.2 will be allocated to holders of PRHTA '98 bonds. Of the $1,245 in new PRHTA bonds, approximately $646.4 will be allocated to holders of PRHTA '68 bonds and approximately $598.6 will be allocated to holders of PRHTA '98 bonds. Claim recovery expectations for PRHTA creditors under the PRHTA/CCDA PSA agreement are uncertain and subject to interpretation due to the aforementioned uncertainty related to the value of the Clawback CVI. Under the PRHTA/CCDA PSA, CCDA creditors will receive $112 of cash, inclusive of up to $15 related to restriction fees and consummation costs, payable at the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
It is unclear how details under the agreements and plans described above may change. If the Seventh Amended POA is not confirmed in its current or similar form or a PRHTA plan of adjustment or PRIFA or CCDA plans of adjustment or Title VI agreements differ substantially from existing plan support agreements or are not confirmed or approved, AAC’s financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, no assurances can be given as to the outcomes of litigations filed, or that may be filed, in connection with the status and priority of HTA bonds, the Seventh Amended POA, a PRHTA plan of adjustment, or PRIFA or CCDA plans of adjustment or Title VI agreements, including but not limited to litigations to which AAC is a party. As a result of such outcomes, consideration received by AAC or holders of AAC-insured bonds under such plans or agreements, and AAC's financial condition, may be materially and adversely affected. It is also possible that economic or demographic outcomes may be as, or worse than, forecasted in the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan or under proposals or plans promulgated by the Commonwealth or its instrumentalities in or in connection with a Title III process or otherwise, which could result in performance-dependent sources of recovery like the contingent value instruments described above to produce no value or less value than expected based on current circumstances and assumptions.
While our reserving scenarios reflect a wide range of possible outcomes reflecting the significant uncertainty regarding future developments and outcomes, given our exposure to Puerto Rico and the economic, fiscal, legal and political uncertainties associated therewith, our loss reserves may ultimately prove to be insufficient to cover our losses, potentially by a material amount, and may be subject to material volatility. Changes to our loss reserves may have a material adverse impact on AAC’s results of operations and financial condition.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities — No matters require disclosure.
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(b) Purchases of Equity Securities By the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table summarizes Ambac's share purchases during the second quarter of 2021. When restricted stock unit awards issued by Ambac vest or settle, they become taxable compensation to employees. For certain awards, shares may be withheld to cover the employee's portion of withholding taxes. In the second quarter of 2021, Ambac purchased shares from employees that settled restricted stock units to meet employee tax withholdings.
Apr-2021 | May-2021 | Jun-2021 | Second Quarter 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Shares Purchased (1) | — | 607 | — | 607 | |||||||||||||||||||
Average Price Paid Per Share | $ | — | $ | 14.45 | $ | — | $ | 14.45 | |||||||||||||||
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan (1) | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Maximum Number of Shares That may Yet be Purchased Under the Plan | — | — | — | — |
(1) There were no other repurchases of equity securities made during the three months ended June 30, 2021. Ambac does not have a stock repurchase program.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities — No matters require disclosure.
Item 5. Other Information — Appointment of New Director.
At the close of business on August 3, 2021, Mr. Alexander D. Greene resigned as a member of the Board of Directors of each of AFG and AAC. The Board of Directors of the Company appointed Lisa G. Iglesias to both the AFG Board and AAC Board effective August 4, 2021. A copy of the Company’s press release announcing this information is being filed as exhibit 99.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Ms. Iglesias has also been appointed as a member of the Audit Committee of the Board.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
Other exhibits, filed or furnished, as indicated: | ||||||||
10.1+ | ||||||||
31.1+ | ||||||||
31.2+ | ||||||||
32.1++ | ||||||||
99.1+ | ||||||||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |||||||
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |||||||
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |||||||
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |||||||
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |||||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags or embedded within the Inline XBRL document | |||||||
+ Filed herewith. ++ Furnished herewith. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. | |||||||||||
Dated: | August 5, 2021 | By: | /S/ DAVID TRICK | ||||||||
Name: | David Trick | ||||||||||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |
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